The Pulpit Commentary — Esther — Section 76

HOMILETICS. Ver. 8.-.A people sc<Lttered and apart. This very remarkable language shows us that the Jews have been one and the same people for thousands of years. This description of the Jews is from the lips of an enemy; still, except in the last clause, it is just and true. In their captivity in the East, in their dispersion, in their present condition throughout Christendom, the Jews are a people by themselves, scattered and apart. I. THE FACT OF lsR.A.Er.'s ISOLATION. The descendants of Jacob are like no other people, and wherever their lot is cast, they do not intermingle with the population. 1. They are distinguished by their peculiar physiognomy. 2. By their homeless- ness and dispersion. 3. By the national customs and observances practised among them. II. THE TREATMENT OF WHICH THIS ISOLATION IS THE OCCASION. 1. They have been looked upon as opposed to the interests e.nd welfare of states. How often have ministers of state and prelates of the Church aroused the hatred of princes against the Hebrew race. " It is not for the king's profit to suffer them I " 2. They have con- sequently met with scorn, oppression, and persecution. What a disgraceful history is that of the Jews scattered throughout Christendom I That the nation has survived such persecutions is a proof of the inherent vitality of the race, and a proof of the superintending providence of the God of all the nations of the earth. IIL THE TRUE EXPLANATION AND PURPOSE OF THIS ISOLATION. It is an evidence of a special purpose of God. It is a fulfilment of prophecy. It is a witness to the truth of Christianity. 1. We should regard the ,Jewish people with deep interest. 2. We should use all feasible means to bring the Jews to the Messiah. "He that scattereth will gather them." Ver. 9.-The pri-ce of blood. Never wae a more nefarious bargain proposed than this. That Haman not only plotted to destroy the Jews, but even offered to buy their lives, this is indeed a proof of the cruelty and basenesR of his nature. I. CRUELTY APPEALS TO AVARICE. Favourites always amass money; often by the most unscrupulous means. Tyrants always want money to spend on their J?leaeures and their ostentation. Haman offers to .A.hasuerus a large sum to secure his assent to the destruction of the J ewe. II . .A MEAN PRICE IS OFFERED FOR A NATION'S DESTRUCTION. The blood of one man were purchased cheaply at such a price ; what shall we say of the purchase of a nation? Ill. We are reminded of THE PRICE WHICH WAS PAID TO THE BETRAYER OF 'fl:IE SoN OF MAN. "The price of him that was valued " was thirty pieces of silver. Fitly was the money employed to buy "the field of blood." IV. CONTRAST THE PRICE OF DESTRUCTION WITH THE PRICE OF SALVATION. When Christ purchased his people he paid a ransom the preciousness of which is not to be Otl. III. 7-15.] TRE BOOK OF ESTHER. 76