that far and wide throughout the Pereian empire the Israelites put forth signe of salvation e.nd of rejoicing. I. \VHY THE Jxws REJOIOED. 1. In the downfall of their enemy. Raman was hated with an especial hatred. "Cursed be Raman I" was their cry, when, in Purim, they celebrated the day when the Lord delivered them out of the hand of the enemy. 2. In their patronage by a queen of their own blood and nation. A Jewess upon the throne wns the agent in bringing to the Jews security and prosperity. 3. In their countryman Mordec11i being exalted to be a chief minister of state. This happened often during the_captiYity. Dani~! especially is an instance of n Jew exalted to high r~nk and power _m a ho_nthen empire. 4. In the favour towards them of the great kmg. From bemg their ad,ersary and oppressor, Ahasuerus was turned to be their friend. 5. For permission to defend themselves. If the decree ag1linst them could not be reversed, it was matter for rejoicing that a decree of the same authority warranted them in standing upon their defence. 6. In their consequent delivery from the fear of massacre. " All that a man bath will he give for his life." And now life was secure ; and they rejoiced as those raised from the brink of death. II. How THE JEWS REJOICED. We have in these verses a bright and vivid picture of the gladness that diffused itself throughout the empire on the occasion of the deliverance. 1. Light and gladness. 2. Feasting and a good day. 3. The adhesion of many to their religion and their fellowship. 4. The sympathy of many who respected and esteemed them, their character, and their religion. Ver. 17.-" A good <lay." This expression is probably figurative. The time of relief, and thanksgiving, and confidence, and hope is viewed as a day having a character of its own. .And no wonder that, so viewed, it should be called here " a good day." L IT WAS GOOD IN ITS RETROSPECT. .A. day of evil had been dreaded and looked forward to with justice, and it had been converted into a day of peace. A day of Divine interposition summoned all to admire the unexpected interposition of Divine providence whlch had taken place. II. IT WAS GOOD IN ITS REALISATION. It was a good day for the rescued and saved, for the agents who had effected the deliverance, for the people among whom they dwelt, and even for the king, whose reign and reputation were saved from a stain both black and bloody. Ill. IT WAS GOOD IN ITS ANTICIPATION. Some months were yet to elapse before all danger was past. Yet, in the changed prospect, how could the Jews do other than give thanks, rejoice, and triumph ? Let this "good day " serve to us as an emblem of the day of Divine visitation and human privilege. "Now is the accepted time; now is the da;y of sal,vation."
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 6.-True patrwtum. Esther felt that her work was not yet done. An over- confident and sanguine disposition might have taken for granted, as we do in the mere retrospect, that all else which was requisite would follow as matter of course. She had met as yet no rebuff, had suffered no failure. Each move, well considered beforehand, had been crowned with success, surpassing the utmost that she or Mordecai had dared to imagine. In the flush of personal success, and of joy because of the safety and great promotion of Mordecai, she does not forget the larger family of her " people " and " kindred." The fearful decree is not reversed. It still overhangs the heads of thousands upon thousands. Esther feels that her mission will not be fulfilled until she has obtained the abrogation of the decree, and secured the lives of her ~eople. In all the methods she had employed hltherto a remarkable calmness and c1rc1;1m- spection are observable. But _now a change is visible in favour of a ~eD?-ons~rat1ve- ness which it must have reqwred very strong effort to keep up to thlB b!11e m such restraint. Esther "fell down at the feet of the king, and besought him with _tears to put away the mischief of Haman, and his device that he had devised agamst the Jews" (ver. 3). This change is interesting to observe, as occurring at the timo when thought and affection left self and home for the scattered kindred of a hundred cm. vm. 1-17.) THE BOOK OF ESTHER. 147