WEBNETListen to the readings for Nov 28 from the NET Bible (Video)
or the World English Bible
This page is now calculating which verses have comments and referenced comments. Please be patient.
You will not be able to view any Comments in the Verse sections below until this notice disappears
Notes that are not verse specific
The whole of chapter 4 demonstrates the courage of theses people who were God's people. Whilst we can look back and see this is all orchestrated by God, those who were working within the situation needed great faith indeed to believe this. They came through their trial with flying colours. May we learn.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
3:7, 13 Notice that even though the Jews are in captivity the calendar used is the traditional Hebrew calendar.
4:14 We do well to realise that God may well have work for us to do and that He puts us in positions where we can work for him - He does not need us as individuals. He can raise up others if we do not do the work. However wouldn't it be a shame if the Father did His work despite us rather than by using us.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
A TIME LIKE THIS
Why are we here? Why do your particular circumstances happen to you in the way they do? Is there a reason you are surrounded by the particular people in your family, among your friends, at work, at school, in your church or among your other acquaintances? This chapter in Esther may help understand some of the answers to these questions.
Quite out of the blue, king Xerxes needed another queen. Esther was selected to take part in the beauty contest and was chosen to be the wife of the king. It is quite likely that these events seemed like mere chance or circumstance to Esther and Mordecai at the time. But then along came Haman with his evil plot to destroy the Jews. When Mordecai heard about Haman's plot he encouraged Esther to take the matter to the king. Mordecai said to Esther, "And who knows that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Looking back on the story and knowing the end from the beginning, we can see that Esther certainly was given her position by God for the purpose of saving the Jews.
It is no different for us. God works in our lives too. He has planned good works for us to do. So we must be sure to spread God's word to the people we have been put with through God's circumstances. We are here at a time like this to save someone from sin and death. Don't miss the opportunity.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
When the law is kept, yet has no power
The law of the Medes and Persians said the Jews could be destroyed. Yet though that law was kept, a further law worked to nullify it. The same happened with Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego who were condemned by law and thrown into a furnace, yet God saved them from destruction. The law was enacted, yet the fire had no power. Daniel also was condemned by law and thrown into a pit of lions, yet God negated the usual effect of the lions. In these three situations the law was allowed to have its justice, yet God acted to save the person after the law had its say. Similarly, the law condemned Jesus to death, but God worked after his death to negate the effect of the law, because the grave could not hold him.
This is a very important principle for us too. Right and wrong are absolute, as defined in God's laws. But if we are accepted in God's family by our association with Jesus His son, God will act in the same way for us as He did with all these other people. The righteous law of God says that the sinner must die, but the effects of that death can be nullified for those that are in Christ.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Rob
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. After <310> these things <1697> did king <4428> Ahasuerus <325> promote <1431>(8765) Haman <2001> the son <1121> of Hammedatha <4099> the Agagite <91>, and advanced <5375>(8762) him, and set <7760>(8799) his seat <3678> above all the princes <8269> that were with him.
2. And all the king's <4428> servants <5650>, that were in the king's <4428> gate <8179>, bowed <3766>(8802), and reverenced <7812>(8693) Haman <2001>: for the king <4428> had so commanded <6680>(8765) concerning him. But Mordecai <4782> bowed <3766>(8799) not, nor did him reverence <7812>(8691).
3. Then the king's <4428> servants <5650>, which were in the king's <4428> gate <8179>, said <559>(8799) unto Mordecai <4782>, Why transgressest <5674>(8802) thou the king's <4428> commandment <4687>?
4. Now it came to pass, when they spake <559>(8800) daily <3117> unto him, and he hearkened <8085>(8804) not unto them, that they told <5046>(8686) Haman <2001>, to see <7200>(8800) whether Mordecai's <4782> matters <1697> would stand <5975>(8799): for he had told <5046>(8689) them that he was a Jew <3064>.
5. And when Haman <2001> saw <7200>(8799) that Mordecai <4782> bowed <3766>(8802) not, nor did him reverence <7812>(8693), then was Haman <2001> full <4390>(8735) of wrath <2534>.
6. And he thought <5869> scorn <959>(8799) to lay <7971>(8800) hands <3027> on Mordecai <4782> alone; for they had shewed <5046>(8689) him the people <5971> of Mordecai <4782>: wherefore Haman <2001> sought <1245>(8762) to destroy <8045>(8687) all the Jews <3064> that were throughout the whole kingdom <4438> of Ahasuerus <325>, even the people <5971> of Mordecai <4782>.
7. In the first <7223> month <2320>, that is, the month <2320> Nisan <5212>, in the twelfth <8147> <6240> year <8141> of king <4428> Ahasuerus <325>, they cast <5307>(8689) Pur <6332>, that is, the lot <1486>, before <6440> Haman <2001> from day <3117> to day <3117>, and from month <2320> to month <2320>, to the twelfth <8147> <6240> month, that is, the month <2320> Adar <143>.
8. And Haman <2001> said <559>(8799) unto king <4428> Ahasuerus <325>, There is <3426> a certain <259> people <5971> scattered abroad <6340>(8794) and dispersed <6504>(8794) among the people <5971> in all the provinces <4082> of thy kingdom <4438>; and their laws <1881> are diverse <8138>(8802) from all people <5971>; neither keep <6213>(8802) they the king's <4428> laws <1881>: therefore it is not for the king's <4428> profit <7737>(8802) to suffer <3240>(8687) them.
9. If it please <2895>(8804) the king <4428>, let it be written <3789>(8735) that they may be destroyed <6>(8763): and I will pay <8254>(8799) ten <6235> thousand <505> talents <3603> of silver <3701> to the hands <3027> of those that have the charge <6213>(8802) of the business <4399>, to bring <935>(8687) it into the king's <4428> treasuries <1595>.
10. And the king <4428> took <5493>(8686) his ring <2885> from his hand <3027>, and gave <5414>(8799) it unto Haman <2001> the son <1121> of Hammedatha <4099> the Agagite <91>, the Jews <3064>' enemy <6887>(8802).
11. And the king <4428> said <559>(8799) unto Haman <2001>, The silver <3701> is given <5414>(8803) to thee, the people <5971> also, to do <6213>(8800) with them as it seemeth <5869> good <2896> to thee.
12. Then were the king's <4428> scribes <5608>(8802) called <7121>(8735) on the thirteenth <7969> <6240> day <3117> of the first <7223> month <2320>, and there was written <3789>(8735) according to all that Haman <2001> had commanded <6680>(8765) unto the king's <4428> lieutenants <323>, and to the governors <6346> that were over every province <4082>, and to the rulers <8269> of every people <5971> of every province <4082> according to the writing <3791> thereof, and to every people <5971> after their language <3956>; in the name <8034> of king <4428> Ahasuerus <325> was it written <3789>(8737), and sealed <2856>(8738) with the king's <4428> ring <2885>.
13. And the letters <5612> were sent <7971>(8736) by <3027> posts <7323>(8801) into all the king's <4428> provinces <4082>, to destroy <8045>(8687), to kill <2026>(8800), and to cause to perish <6>(8763), all Jews <3064>, both young <5288> and old <2205>, little children <2945> and women <802>, in one <259> day <3117>, even upon the thirteenth <7969> <6240> day of the twelfth <8147> <6240> month <2320>, which is the month <2320> Adar <143>, and to take the spoil <7998> of them for a prey <962>(8800).
14. The copy <6572> of the writing <3791> for a commandment <1881> to be given <5414>(8736) in every province <4082> was published <1540>(8803) unto all people <5971>, that they should be ready <6264> against that day <3117>.
15. The posts <7323>(8801) went out <3318>(8804), being hastened <1765>(8803) by the king's <4428> commandment <1697>, and the decree <1881> was given <5414>(8738) in Shushan <7800> the palace <1002>. And the king <4428> and Haman <2001> sat down <3427>(8804) to drink <8354>(8800); but the city <5892> Shushan <7800> was perplexed <943>(8737).
1. When Mordecai <4782> perceived <3045>(8804) all that was done <6213>(8738), Mordecai <4782> rent <7167>(8799) his clothes <899>, and put on <3847>(8799) sackcloth <8242> with ashes <665>, and went out <3318>(8799) into the midst <8432> of the city <5892>, and cried <2199>(8799) with a loud <1419> and a bitter <4751> cry <2201>;
2. And came <935>(8799) even before <6440> the king's <4428> gate <8179>: for none might enter <935>(8800) into the king's <4428> gate <8179> clothed <3830> with sackcloth <8242>.
3. And in every province <4082>, whithersoever <4725> the king's <4428> commandment <1697> and his decree <1881> came <5060>(8688), there was great <1419> mourning <60> among the Jews <3064>, and fasting <6685>, and weeping <1065>, and wailing <4553>; and many <7227> lay <3331>(8714) in sackcloth <8242> and ashes <665>.
4. So Esther's <635> maids <5291> and her chamberlains <5631> came <935>(8799) and told <5046>(8686) it her. Then was the queen <4436> exceedingly <3966> grieved <2342>(8698); and she sent <7971>(8799) raiment <899> to clothe <3847>(8687) Mordecai <4782>, and to take away <5493>(8687) his sackcloth <8242> from him: but he received <6901>(8765) it not.
5. Then called <7121>(8799) Esther <635> for Hatach <2047>, one of the king's <4428> chamberlains <5631>, whom he had appointed <5975>(8689) to attend <6440> upon her, and gave him a commandment <6680>(8762) to Mordecai <4782>, to know <3045>(8800) what it was, and why it was.
6. So Hatach <2047> went forth <3318>(8799) to Mordecai <4782> unto the street <7339> of the city <5892>, which was before <6440> the king's <4428> gate <8179>.
7. And Mordecai <4782> told <5046>(8686) him of all that had happened <7136>(8804) unto him, and of the sum <6575> of the money <3701> that Haman <2001> had promised <559>(8804) to pay <8254>(8800) to the king's <4428> treasuries <1595> for the Jews <3064>, to destroy <6>(8763) them.
8. Also he gave <5414>(8804) him the copy <6572> of the writing <3791> of the decree <1881> that was given <5414>(8738) at Shushan <7800> to destroy <8045>(8687) them, to shew <7200>(8687) it unto Esther <635>, and to declare <5046>(8687) it unto her, and to charge <6680>(8763) her that she should go in <935>(8800) unto the king <4428>, to make supplication <2603>(8692) unto him, and to make request <1245>(8763) before <6440> him for her people <5971>.
9. And Hatach <2047> came <935>(8799) and told <5046>(8686) Esther <635> the words <1697> of Mordecai <4782>.
10. Again Esther <635> spake <559>(8799) unto Hatach <2047>, and gave him commandment <6680>(8762) unto Mordecai <4782>;
11. All the king's <4428> servants <5650>, and the people <5971> of the king's <4428> provinces <4082>, do know <3045>(8802), that whosoever, whether man <376> or woman <802>, shall come <935>(8799) unto the king <4428> into the inner <6442> court <2691>, who is not called <7121>(8735), there is one <259> law <1881> of his to put him to death <4191>(8687), except <905> such to whom the king <4428> shall hold out <3447>(8686) the golden <2091> sceptre <8275>, that he may live <2421>(8804): but I have not been called <7121>(8738) to come in <935>(8800) unto the king <4428> these thirty <7970> days <3117>.
12. And they told <5046>(8686) to Mordecai <4782> Esther's <635> words <1697>.
13. Then Mordecai <4782> commanded <559>(8799) to answer <7725>(8687) Esther <635>, Think <1819>(8762) not with thyself <5315> that thou shalt escape <4422>(8736) in the king's <4428> house <1004>, more than all the Jews <3064>.
14. For if thou altogether <2790>(8687) holdest thy peace <2790>(8686) at this time <6256>, then shall there enlargement <7305> and deliverance <2020> arise <5975>(8799) to the Jews <3064> from another <312> place <4725>; but thou and thy father's <1> house <1004> shall be destroyed <6>(8799): and who knoweth <3045>(8802) whether thou art come <5060>(8689) to the kingdom <4438> for such a time <6256> as this?
15. Then Esther <635> bade <559>(8799) them return <7725>(8687) Mordecai <4782> this answer,
16. Go <3212>(8798), gather together <3664>(8798) all the Jews <3064> that are present <4672>(8737) in Shushan <7800>, and fast <6684>(8798) ye for me, and neither eat <398>(8799) nor drink <8354>(8799) three <7969> days <3117>, night <3915> or day <3117>: I also and my maidens <5291> will fast <6684>(8799) likewise; and so <3651> will I go <935>(8799) in unto the king <4428>, which is not according to the law <1881>: and if I perish <6>(8804), I perish <6>(8804).
17. So Mordecai <4782> went his way <5674>(8799), and did <6213>(8799) according to all that Esther <635> had commanded <6680>(8765) him.
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Thus hath the Lord <136> GOD <3069> shewed <7200>(8689) unto me: and behold a basket <3619> of summer fruit <7019>.
2. And he said <559>(8799), Amos <5986>, what seest <7200>(8802) thou? And I said <559>(8799), A basket <3619> of summer fruit <7019>. Then said <559>(8799) the LORD <3068> unto me, The end <7093> is come <935>(8804) upon my people <5971> of Israel <3478>; I will not again <3254>(8686) pass <5674>(8800) by them any more.
3. And the songs <7892> of the temple <1964> shall be howlings <3213>(8689) in that day <3117>, saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>: there shall be many <7227> dead bodies <6297> in every place <4725>; they shall cast them forth <7993>(8689) with silence <2013>(8761).
4. Hear <8085>(8798) this, O ye that swallow up <7602>(8802) the needy <34>, even to make <7673> <0> the poor <6041>(8675) <6035> of the land <776> to fail <7673>(8687),
5. Saying <559>(8800), When will the new moon <2320> be gone <5674>(8799), that we may sell <7666>(8686) corn <7668>? and the sabbath <7676>, that we may set forth <6605>(8799) wheat <1250>, making the ephah <374> small <6994>(8687), and the shekel <8255> great <1431>(8687), and falsifying <5791>(8763) the balances <3976> by deceit <4820>?
6. That we may buy <7069>(8800) the poor <1800> for silver <3701>, and the needy <34> for a pair of shoes <5275>; yea, and sell <7666>(8686) the refuse <4651> of the wheat <1250>?
7. The LORD <3068> hath sworn <7650>(8738) by the excellency <1347> of Jacob <3290>, Surely I will never <5331> forget <7911>(8799) any of their works <4639>.
8. Shall not the land <776> tremble <7264>(8799) for this, and every one mourn <56>(8804) that dwelleth <3427>(8802) therein? and it shall rise up <5927>(8804) wholly as a flood <2975>; and it shall be cast out <1644>(8738) and drowned <8257>(8738)(8675) <8248>(8738), as by the flood <216> of Egypt <4714>.
9. And it shall come to pass in that day <3117>, saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>, that I will cause the sun <8121> to go down <935>(8689) at noon <6672>, and I will darken <2821>(8689) the earth <776> in the clear <216> day <3117>:
10. And I will turn <2015>(8804) your feasts <2282> into mourning <60>, and all your songs <7892> into lamentation <7015>; and I will bring up <5927>(8689) sackcloth <8242> upon all loins <4975>, and baldness <7144> upon every head <7218>; and I will make <7760>(8804) it as the mourning <60> of an only <3173> son, and the end <319> thereof as a bitter <4751> day <3117>.
11. Behold, the days <3117> come <935>(8802), saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>, that I will send <7971>(8689) a famine <7458> in the land <776>, not a famine <7458> of bread <3899>, nor a thirst <6772> for water <4325>, but of hearing <8085>(8800) the words <1697> of the LORD <3068>:
12. And they shall wander <5128>(8804) from sea <3220> to sea <3220>, and from the north <6828> even to the east <4217>, they shall run to and fro <7751>(8787) to seek <1245>(8763) the word <1697> of the LORD <3068>, and shall not find <4672>(8799) it.
13. In that day <3117> shall the fair <3303> virgins <1330> and young men <970> faint <5968>(8691) for thirst <6772>.
14. They that swear <7650>(8737) by the sin <819> of Samaria <8111>, and say <559>(8804), Thy god <430>, O Dan <1835>, liveth <2416>; and, The manner <1870> of Beersheba <884> liveth <2416>; even they shall fall <5307>(8804), and never rise up <6965>(8799) again.
Notes that are not verse specific
The fact that we find the same people mentioned both here and in Colossians indicates that Philemon was at Colosse and that the ecclesia there met in his house.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
Philemon (means friendly) was the master and Onesimus (means profitable) was the servant (slave). Under Roman law a runaway slave could be sentenced to death. However, Philemon took Onesimus back, not only as a servant but also as a brother. The parallel exists between our master, Jesus, and us as servants. If we remain faithful we are called friends (John 15:14). If we stray and come back we are welcomed (Luke 15:32). If we stay away, we are subject to death as the Roman slave would be. Nevertheless, we should realize that our service, unlike Onesimus', is considered unprofitable (Luke 17:10).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Paul <3972>, a prisoner <1198> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, and <2532> Timothy <5095> our brother <80>, unto Philemon <5371> our <2257> dearly beloved <27>, and <2532> fellowlabourer <4904>,
2. And <2532> to our beloved <27> Apphia <682>, and <2532> Archippus <751> our <2257> fellowsoldier <4961>, and <2532> to the church <1577> in <2596> thy <4675> house <3624>:
3. Grace <5485> to you <5213>, and <2532> peace <1515>, from <575> God <2316> our <2257> Father <3962> and <2532> the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
4. I thank <2168>(5719) my <3450> God <2316>, making <4160>(5734) mention <3417> of thee <4675> always <3842> in <1909> my <3450> prayers <4335>,
5. Hearing <191>(5723) of thy <4675> love <26> and <2532> faith <4102>, which <3739> thou hast <2192>(5719) toward <4314> the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and <2532> toward <1519> all <3956> saints <40>;
6. That <3704> the communication <2842> of thy <4675> faith <4102> may become <1096>(5638) effectual <1756> by <1722> the acknowledging <1922> of every <3956> good thing <18> which <3588> is in <1722> you <5213> in <1519> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.
7. For <1063> we have <2192>(5719) great <4183> joy <5485> and <2532> consolation <3874> in <1909> thy <4675> love <26>, because <3754> the bowels <4698> of the saints <40> are refreshed <373>(5769) by <1223> thee <4675>, brother <80>.
8. Wherefore <1352>, though I might be <2192>(5723) much <4183> bold <3954> in <1722> Christ <5547> to enjoin <2004>(5721) thee <4671> that which is convenient <433>(5723),
9. Yet for <1223> love's <26> sake I <3870> <0> rather <3123> beseech <3870>(5719) thee, being <5607>(5752) such an one <5108> as <5613> Paul <3972> the aged <4246>, and <1161> now <3570> also <2532> a prisoner <1198> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
10. I beseech <3870>(5719) thee <4571> for <4012> my <1699> son <5043> Onesimus <3682>, whom <3739> I have begotten <1080>(5656) in <1722> my <3450> bonds <1199>:
11. Which <3588> in time past <4218> was <890> <0> to thee <4671> unprofitable <890>, but <1161> now <3570> profitable <2173> to thee <4671> and <2532> to me <1698>:
12. Whom <3739> I have sent again <375>(5656): thou <4771> therefore <1161> receive <4355>(5640) him <846>, that <5123>(5748) is, mine own <1699> bowels <4698>:
13. Whom <3739> I <1473> would <1014>(5711) have retained <2722>(5721) with <4314> me <1683>, that <2443> in thy <4675> stead <5228> he might have ministered <1247>(5725) unto me <3427> in <1722> the bonds <1199> of the gospel <2098>:
14. But <1161> without <5565> thy <4674> mind <1106> would <2309>(5656) I do <4160>(5658) nothing <3762>; that <3363> <0> thy <4675> benefit <18> should <5600> <0> not <3363> be <5600>(5753) as <5613> it were of <2596> necessity <318>, but <235> willingly <1595> <2596>.
15. For <1063> <1223> perhaps <5029> he <5563> <0> therefore <5124> departed <5563>(5681) for <4314> a season <5610>, that <2443> thou shouldest receive <568>(5719) him <846> for ever <166>;
16. Not now <3765> as <5613> a servant <1401>, but <235> above <5228> a servant <1401>, a brother <80> beloved <27>, specially <3122> to me <1698>, but <1161> how much <4214> more <3123> unto thee <4671>, both <2532> in <1722> the flesh <4561>, and <2532> in <1722> the Lord <2962>?
17. If <1487> thou count <2192>(5719) me <1691> therefore <3767> a partner <2844>, receive <4355>(5640) him <846> as <5613> myself <1691>.
18. If <1161> <1487> he hath wronged <91>(5656) thee <4571>, or <2228> oweth <3784>(5719) thee ought <5100>, put <1677> <0> that <5124> on <1677>(5720) mine account <1698>;
19. I <1473> Paul <3972> have written <1125>(5656) it with mine own <1699> hand <5495>, I <1473> will repay <661>(5692) it: albeit <3363> <0> I do <3004> <0> not <3363> say <3004>(5725) to thee <4671> how <3754> thou owest <4359> <0> unto me <3427> even <2532> thine own self <4572> besides <4359>(5719).
20. Yea <3483>, brother <80>, let <3685> <0> me <1473> have joy <3685>(5636) of thee <4675> in <1722> the Lord <2962>: refresh <373>(5657) my <3450> bowels <4698> in <1722> the Lord <2962>.
21. Having confidence <3982>(5756) in thy <4675> obedience <5218> I wrote <1125>(5656) unto thee <4671>, knowing <1492>(5761) that <3754> thou wilt <4160> <0> also <2532> do <4160>(5692) more than <5228> I say <3004>(5719).
22. But <1161> withal <260> prepare <2090>(5720) me <3427> also <2532> a lodging <3578>: for <1063> I trust <1679>(5719) that <3754> through <1223> your <5216> prayers <4335> I shall be given <5483>(5701) unto you <5213>.
23. There salute <782>(5736) thee <4571> Epaphras <1889>, my <3450> fellowprisoner <4869> in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>;
24. Marcus <3138>, Aristarchus <708>, Demas <1214>, Lucas <3065>, my <3450> fellowlabourers <4904>.
25. The grace <5485> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> be with <3326> your <5216> spirit <4151>. Amen <281>. Written <1125>(5648) from <575> Rome <4516> to <4314> Philemon <5371>, by <1223> Onesimus <3682> a servant <3610>.