Esth 3:2

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the king's servants.

Dr. Shaw, speaking of the cities in the East, says, "If we quit the streets, and enter into any of the principal houses, we shall first pass through a porch, or gate-way, with benches on each side, where the master of the family receives visits, and despatches business; few persons, not even the nearest relations, having admission any farther, except upon extraordinary occasions."

These servants were probably officers who here waited the king's call; and it is likely that Mordecai was one of them.

Esth 2:19; Esth 2:21

bowed.

Gen 41:43; Phil 2:10

bowed not.

{Yichr�welo yishtachaweh,} "bowed not down, nor prostrated himself," or worshipped him.

Had this meant only civil reverence the king would not have needed to command it; nor would Mordecai have refused it; there was, therefore, some kind of divine honour intended, such as was paid to the Persian kings, and which even the Greeks refused, as express adoration.

Esth 3:1; Esth 3:5; Exod 17:14; Exod 17:16; Deut 25:19; 1Sam 15:3; Ps 15:4