(2:1) |
After what things? (DD) After Xerxes had returned from his failed invasion of Greece. |
(2:2) |
(AC) This was the usual way in which the harem or seraglio was furnished: the finest women in the land, whether of high or low birth, were sought out, and brought to the harem. They all became the king's concubines: but one was raised, as chief wife or sultana, to the throne; and her issue was specially entitled to inherit. |
(2:3) |
(DD) Cosmetics consisted of a burner that supplied volatile oils that were absorbed by the skin. |
(2:8) |
(TS) Esther was taken against her will. |
(2:12) |
(AC) The myrrh was employed for six months, and the odours for six months more, after which the person was brought to the king. This space was sufficient to show whether the young woman had been chaste; whether she were with child or not, that the king might not be imposed on, and be obliged to father a spurious offspring, which might have been the case had not this precaution been used. |
(2:14) |
(AC) This was the place where the king's concubines were kept. They went out no more, and were never given in marriage to any man, and saw the king's face no more unless specially called. |
(2:16) |
(DD) c. 478 BCE - after Xerxes was defeated by the Greeks |
(2:16) |
(AC) Mordecai might have been one of the officers of the king, as the gate was the place where such usually attended to await the king's call. |