Esther 3:2
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| Overview - Esther 3 | |
| 1 | Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon all the Jews. |
| 7 | He casts lots. |
| 8 | He obtains by calumniation a decree of the king to put the Jews to death. |
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Esther 3:2 (King James Version)
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
- the king's servants
- Dr. Shaw, speaking of the cities in the East, says, "If we quit the streets, and enter into any of the principal houses, we shall first pass through a porch, or gate-way, with benches on each side, where the master of the family receives visits, and despatches business; few persons, not even the nearest relations, having admission any farther, except upon extraordinary occasions." These servants were probably officers who here waited the king's call; and it is likely that Mordecai was one of them.
- Esther 2:19 Esther 2:21
- bowed
- Genesis 41:43 ; Philippians 2:10
- bowed not
- {Yichr welo yishtachaweh,} "bowed not down, nor prostrated himself," or worshipped him. Had this meant only civil reverence the king would not have needed to command it; nor would Mordecai have refused it; there was, therefore, some kind of divine honour intended, such as was paid to the Persian kings, and which even the Greeks refused, as express adoration.
- Esther 3:1 Esther 3:5 ; Exodus 17:14 Exodus 17:16 ; Deuteronomy 25:19 ; 1 Samuel 15:3 ; Psalms 15:4