Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
Ver. 10. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself] Much ado he had to forbear mischieving him; he was fain to force himself thereunto, as the word signifieth; for his fingers even itched to be having him by the ears, or to be bathing in his blood. This he did not, haply because he dared not, because Mordecai was the king's servant, his doorkeeper, as it is thought, and so went under his protection. It would therefore have reflected upon the king himself, if he should lay violent hands on him. Most sure it is, that God held his hands, and preserved Mordecai for further good to his Church. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints; neither will he send them to bed till they have done their work.
And when he came home, he sent and called for his friends] This had been a wise man's part, if he had done it for any good purpose. But as he was in an ill case to consult, as being full of rage, so he minded nothing but revenge, and therefore advised with none but such as would say with him, and thereby hasten his downfall.
And Zeresh his wife] Ut consiliariornm primam et praecipuam. That she was wise above her sex, see Esther 6:13. But had she been as wise as Pilate's wife was she would not have given here such pestilent counsel, but have warned her husband of meddling with just men. Have these workers of iniquity no knowledge, that they eat up God's people as they eat bread? that they make account to make but a breakfast of them? Psalms 14:4 .