A Homiletical Commentary on the Book of Esther (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from A Homiletical Commentary on the Book of Esther

It may, however, be objected that the revengeful spirit manifested in the latter part of the Book is not an example for our imitation. We may reply that it is no more an example to be imitated than Persian luxury and effeminacy are to be commended, and no more than the Vices of Old Testament saints are to be regarded with favour. While we do not lay great stress on the fact that the Itala or ante-hieronymian version omits the whole of the nineteen verses of the ninth chapter, we may fairly inquire were they originally in the Book, and wish for Esther's sake that they had never appeared. But this, after all, is characteristic of Scriptural writing. The strong hand of the analyst is present, and nowhere is found unsparing eulogy. The vice that degrades is depicted, though never in attractive colours, as well as the virtue that adorns and elevates. The story of the cruel proceedings in the ninth chapter is no commendation of them 5 it is a bare recital of facts to make us shrink from even the semblance of evil.

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