The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 60

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 20.- Worldly policy. A superficial view might lead to an unqualified admiration of Esther and Mordecai, the principal characters in the scene before us. And not with- out reason, for they exemplify in their conduct some of the nobler qualities of human nature. With regard to Esther, note-I. That she remembered in her prosperity the assodations of the past. This did credit both to her head and to her heart ; it evinced her sound sense as well as her humble-mindedness. It is pitiable to witness sometimes the way in which those who have risen in the world forget their lowly origin ; they look down with contempt upon those who are still in the position which they them- selves once occupied ; and nothing wounds their pride more keenly than the slightest allusion to the home of their childhood. But such a miserable display of weakness only degrades them in the estimation of all right-minded men. Esther was very different from this. Amidst the splendours of the royal palace she could not forget her former obscure lot. And this must have been an ennobling power in her soul, elevating her above the corrupt influences of a profligate court. 2. That she shcnoed gratitude to the man who had befriended her in adversity. She had been left a help- less orphan ; and must have been thrown upon the mercy of a heartless world, had it not been for the timely succour of her generous kinsman. But there are natures upon whom such services make no lasting impression. They are altogether absorbed in self. Affluence, luxury, ease, harden their hearts, and make them utterly insensible even to the claims of gratitude. But Mordecai's kindness to Esther embraced her entire being; it pervaded all the motives which fashioned her life. Whenever she hesitated how to act, she would put to herself the question, "What would Mordecai advise?" and upon the answer would depend her course of conduct. And this is the highest style of affection, which issues in obedience, self-renunciation, submission to another's will. With regard to Mordecai, note-3. That he had made the greatest 11acri,fice for the sake of another. He must have loved Esther deeply, tenderly,  THE BOOK OF ESTHER. [cH. II. 19-23