King James Version
What Does Esther 1:8 Mean?
“And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.”
Context
6
Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. blue, hangings: or, violet, etc of red: or, of porphyre, and marble and alabaster, and stone of blue colour
7
And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. royal: Heb. wine of the kingdom state: Heb. hand
8
And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
9
Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
10
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, chamberlains: or, eunuchs
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **Law.**—Rather *ordinance* or *decree,* that is, specially put forth for this occasion. What this means is shown by what follows, namely, that the king had issued special orders to allow all to do as they pleased in the matter of drinking, instead of as usual compelling them to drink. This degrading habit is the more noticeable because the Persians were at first a nation of exceptionally temperate habits.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Esther 1:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Esther 1:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge