Esther 1:19

19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, that Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another who is better than she.

Esther 1:19 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 1:19

If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from
him
Not only a proclamation made, but a law enacted and published by royal authority: and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and Medes that it
be not altered;
for so it was, that when a law was made, and signed, and sealed, and registered among the laws of the kingdom, it remained unalterable, ( Daniel 6:8 Daniel 6:15 ) , this precaution Memucan took for his own safety; for had the king acted upon his advice, without passing it into a law in such form, he might change his mind, and recall Vashti, who would not fail of venting her wrath upon the counsellor, and so he be in danger of losing his life for it: that Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus;
but be entirely divorced, never to be received any more: and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than
she;
or "to her companions" F26; that was with her in the house of the women in the seraglio; one that was fairer, as the Targum, or of a better disposition than her; let her be made queen, and enjoy all the honour, and dignity, and marks of royalty Vashti did; her throne, her crown, and royal apparel, as it is interpreted in an ancient Jewish writing F1.


FOOTNOTES:

F26 (htwerl) "sodali ejus", Montanus; "sociae ejus", Tigurine version, Drusius, Rambachius.
F1 Tikkune Zohar, correct. 21. fol. 59. 2.

Esther 1:19 In-Context

17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, `King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.'
18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, who have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, that Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another who is better than she.
20 And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire (for it is great), all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small."
21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.