HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

ESTHER 12

CHAPTER XII.

Ver. 1. At that time, is not in Greek. Capellus therefore argues in vain against the Greek author, as if this event took place in the 2d year. Houbigant. --- The expression often occurs in Scripture, without determining the precise time. H.

Ver. 2. When. Gr. "for he heart their deliberations." --- Told, by the mouth of Esther. C. ii. 21. H.

Ver. 5. Palace, as an officer. --- Presents, of small value. C. --- The king had inquired, (Gr. C. vi. 3.) "What glory or favour have we done to Mardochai? and the ministers replied: Thou hast done nothing to him," to honour him as he deserves.

Ver. 6. Bugite, may refer to some town of Macedon. C. iii. 1. --- Honour. Yet he might be still more exalted, after the conspiracy was detected; (Houbig.) as the king little suspected that he was concerned in it. H. --- Death. It is thought that they wished to place Aman, or some Macedonian, on the throne. C. xvi. 12. 14. C. --- This reason for the malevolence of Aman, might be unknown to Mardochai. C. xiii. 12. Houbigant. --- The former was either a favourer of traitors, or perhaps of the same conspiracy. W.