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Esther 1:13

King James Version (KJV)

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— D.L. Moody

Esther 1:13

Verse 13 of 22

Scripture focus

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so [was] the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

Esther 1:13 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Esther 1:13

Theological / Devotional

Wise men. That is, the king’s advisers. Angry as he is, Ahasuerus seeks counsel.

In the presence of his whole court it would be unseemly for him to vent his passion in violent words and threats. Instead of issuing a hasty order, he proceeds deliberately to consider what steps should be taken. Ahasuerus seems to have relied heavily on his counselors (see chs. 3:8-10; 8:1-8; 9:12-14), and now invites the opinion of his “wise men” as to how to deal with Vashti.

Knew the times. Persons of learning and experience who were acquainted with precedents and knew what would be the proper thing to do on any particular occasion.

The king’s manner. That is, his method of proceeding. Each matter that concerned the king he submitted to learned men for their opinion before making his decision. It was probably a general usage of the Persian monarchy to which the writer here makes reference, rather than the practice of Ahasuerus only.

By SdaBc