Esther 8:16

16 The Jews had light and gladness, 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 The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel.

15 So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

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

17 And in every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.