Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
Ver. 19. Therefore the Jews of the villages, &c.] Pagani. This is expounded in the next words.
That dwelt in the unwalled towns] Such as is the Hague in Holland, that hath two thousand households in it; and chooseth rather to be counted the principal village of Europe than a lesser city.
Made the fourteenth day, &c.] See Esther 9:17, while the Jews in Shushan were destroying the remainder of their enemies. This day was afterwards called Mordecai's holiday, H Mαρδοχαικη ημερα, 2Ma 15:36.
And of sending portions one to another] See Nehemiah 8:10. To the rich they sent in courtesy, to the poor in charity, and both these to testify their thankfulness to God for their lives, liberties, and estates, so lately and graciously restored unto them.