the third year: i.e. in 471; six years after the destruction of Jerusalem. Astyages now seventeen or
commandment. Hebrew. dabar = word, precept. Occurs Esther 1:19; Esther 2:8; Esther 3:15; Esther 8:14; Esther 8:17. See note on Esther 1:10.
eighteen years. See App-50. In this year Xerxes (who is supposed to be this king), according to Herod. vii. 8, and Diod. Sic. xi. 2, was preparing his expedition against Greece; whereas this chapter presupposes. season of peace and quiet.
a feast. For its own sake. No reason is given.
power. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6, for those who exercised it: viz. the people of power.
Persia and Media. In this book this is always the order, except Esther 10:2. In Daniel it is the reverse.