Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Esther
Book: Esther
Chapter: 2
Overview:
Esther Chosen Queen.
(1-20) Mordecai discovers a plot against
the
King.
(21-23)
1-20 We see to what absurd practices those came, who were
destitute of Divine
Revelation, and what need there was of the
Gospel of
Christ, to purify men from the lusts of the
Flesh, and
to bring them back to the original institution of
Marriage.
Esther was preferred as
Queen. Those who suggest that
Esther
committed
Sin to come at this dignity, do not consider the
Custom of those times and countries. Every one that the
King
took was married to him, and was his
Wife, though of a lower
rank. But how low is human nature sunk, when such as these are
the leading pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men!
Disappointment and vexation must follow; and he most wisely
consults his enjoyment, even in this present
Life, who most
exactly obeys the precepts of the Divine
Law. But let us turn to
consider the
Wise and merciful
Providence of
God, carrying
On
his
Deep but holy designs in the midst of all this. And let
No
change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our duties
to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place.
21-23 Good subjects must not conceal any bad design they know
of against the
Prince, or the public peace.
Mordecai was not
rewarded at the time, but a remembrance was written. Thus, with
respect to those who serve
Christ, though their recompence is
not till the resurrection of the just, yet an account is kept of
their work of
Faith and labour of
Love, which
God is not
unrighteous to forget. The servant of
God must be
Faithful to
every trust, and watchful for those who employ him. If he appear
to be neglected now, he will be remembered hereafter. None of
our actions can be forgotten; even our most secret thoughts are
written in lasting registers, Re 20:12.