Esther 8:16

16 The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.

Esther 8:16 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 8:16

And the Jews had light
Prosperity, as opposed to the darkness of adversity in which they had been, see ( Isaiah 8:22 Isaiah 9:1 Isaiah 8:2 ) , or lightsomeness and cheerfulness of spirit, as explained by the two next words:

and gladness and joy;
at the good news of their deliverance, so unexpected by them; thus light is explained by gladness, ( Psalms 97:11 )

and honour:
among men; from their neighbours, who before were held in contempt, as a people doomed to destruction.

Esther 8:16 In-Context

14 So the posts that rode upon swift steeds that were used in the king's service went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment; and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace.
15 And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan shouted and was glad.
16 The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.
17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness and joy, a feast and a good day. And many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen upon them.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.