notice in our ordinary life. 3. The responsibility of doing the best possible or all that was possible, for that hour rested on one gentle, loving woman. What' a dis- proportion I The _c~se is that of the lives of perhaps a millioJ?- people. The judge JB a sensual, capnc10us Eastern despot. The advocate and mtercessor is Esther. And it may be immediate death to her so much as to stand where she does. The occasion witnesses her not defiant, not overcome. It exhibits her a pattern of human self-forgetfulness-that secret of so much of a soul's highest influence on earth and of its II power to prevail" with heaven. She has collected most calmly a ~oul's whole force; strength sufficient to the day is hers ; and in her may most truly be seen an example of II strength made perfect in weakness." II. THE CAREFUL PREPARATIONS MADE FOR THIS HOUR. 1. The crisis had not been recklessly nor negligently met. Deep thought had been spent upon it. Anxious consultation had been held upon it. Loving and mature advice had been offered and accepted regarding it. 2. To meet and counteract the things of sight, and "that do appear," resort had been had to faith. The interposition of the Unseen had been sought in "fastings oft" and long. Esther had sent word to Mordecai (eh. iv. 16), "I also and my maidens will fast likewise." 3. In this supplication of Heaver: the aid of intercession had not been forgotten. Esther had not overlooked the importance of a general union of her people in religious exercise. She called into vitality and determined activity the whole combined and sympathetic force of multitudes, who at her instance did for three days put away from themselves every other thought, care, hope, that they might be found " watching" as regards the crisis of this hour. What an interesting suggestion arises from the words (eh. iv. 17), " So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had com- manded him." The tender ward has become the strong, firm, religious teacher of her guardian. III. THE GRAND RESULTS OF THIS HOUR. 1. The event of the hour disappointed all fear, rewarded amply all anxious preparation, fulfilled more than the most that hope had dared contemplate. 2. The event of the hour proved different from all that could be reckoned upon at the hands of mere human goodness. And an impress- ive lesson of religion was taught: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord " (Prov. xxi. 1 ). This was what secured the rest. "The king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." 3. The event of the hour was grander because of its contrasts. (1) Esther's darkest hour changes to light; Haman's day, ablaze with light and confidence and boasting, is overspread, and goes out in darkness and storm. (2) The change foi: Esther and her people themselves is great indeed between the beginning and the end of that hour. Toil brought rest so quickly. Fierce struggle brought peace so sweet. Anguish brought bliss so full. These are the contrasts, as safe, as blessed, as they were sudden.-B.
EXPOSITION. § 10. HAMAN, EXULTING AT TllESE SIGNS OF having to pass through the gate where ROYAL FAVOUR, IS THE MORE EXASPERATED Mordecai was on duty, he was more vexed AT MORDEOAI'S OONTEMPT OF HIM. AT THE than usual with that official's dis-respect, BIDDING OF HIS WIFE HE RF.SOLVES 1'0 IM• which was more pointed and open than it '\'ALE MORDEOAI, AND OAUSES A LOFTY CROSS had ever been before (ver. 9). However, he 1'0 BE EREOTED FOR THE PURPOSE (eh. V. took no immediate notice of the porter's 0-14). The favour shown him by the king conduct (ver. 10), but proceeded to his own o.nd queen in o.dmitting him to the very house, where he assembled his friends, and close intima.cy implied in thoir ma.king him communicated to them, and at the same time the sole companion of their private hours, to Zeresh his wife, the circumstances which produced in Ha.mo.n a dangerous exaltation had so greatly raised his spirits. The climax of spirit. He seemed to himself to have was that "Esther the queen had let no man >tttained the pinnacle of o. subject's greatness. come in with the king unto the banquet that Returning home in this fro.me of mind, o.nd she had propo.red but himself; nay, more, he 110 THE BOOK OF ESTHER. [CH, V. 9-14.