Esther 9:23

And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Benson Commentary

Esther 9:23. The Jews undertook to do as they had begun — That is, to keep these days as festivals everywhere. Having by this means an opportunity of gathering themselves together, on any occasion, the chief of them assembled, and freely and unanimously consented to Mordecai’s desire in this matter, and bound it upon themselves and posterity.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

9:20-32 The observance of the Jewish feasts, is a public declaration of the truth of the Old Testament Scriptures. And as the Old Testament Scriptures are true, the Messiah expected by the Jews is come long ago; and none but Jesus of Nazareth can be that Messiah. The festival was appointed by authority, yet under the direction of the Spirit of God. It was called the feast of Purim, from a Persian word, which signifies a lot. The name of this festival would remind them of the almighty power of the God of Israel, who served his own purposes by the superstitions of the heathen. In reviewing our mercies, we should advert to former fears and distresses. When our mercies are personal, we should not by forgetfulness lose the comfort of them, or withhold from the Lord the glory due to his name. May the Lord teach us to rejoice, with that holy joy which anticipates and prepares for the blessedness of heaven. Every instance of Divine goodness to ourselves, is a new obligation laid on us to do good, to those especially who most need our bounty. Above all, redemption by Christ binds us to be merciful, 2Co 8:9.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The Jews of the villages ... - Rather, "the Jews of the country districts, that dwelt in the country towns," as distinguished from those who dwelt in the metropolis.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Es 9:20-32. The Two Days of Purim Made Festival.

20. Mordecai wrote these things—Commentators are not agreed what is particularly meant by "these things"; whether the letters following, or an account of these marvellous events to be preserved in the families of the Jewish people, and transmitted from one generation to another.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Having by this means opportunity to gather themselves together upon any occasion, the chief of them assembled together, and freely and unanimously consented to Mordecai’s desire in this matter, and bound it upon themselves and posterity.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them. They engaged to keep these two days as festivals annually, as they had at this time done; not in a religious but in a civil way, not as parts of religious worship, and as additions to and innovations of the law, but by way of commemoration of a civil benefit which they had received; and yet we find in later times that this was scrupled by some as an innovation; for we are told (r) that there were eighty five elders, and more than thirty of them prophets, who were distressed about this matter, fearing it was an innovation.

(r) T. Hieros. Megillah. fol. 70. 4.

Geneva Study Bible

And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

23. undertook] assumed the obligation.

to do as they had begun] to continue to keep the celebration on the fourteenth day of Adar.

and as Mordecai had written unto them] i.e. to keep the celebration on the following day as well.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 23. - The Jews undertook to do as they had begun. i.e. "to observe the 14th day." And as Mordecai had written to them. i.e. "and to observe also the 15th." Esther 9:23

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordochai had written to them. They had begun, as Esther 9:22 tells us, by keeping both days, and Mordochai wrote to them that they should make this an annual custom. This they agreed to do in consequence of Mordochai's letters. The reason of their so doing is given in Esther 9:24 and Esther 9:25, and the name of this festival is explained, Esther 9:26, by a brief recapitulation of the events which gave rise to it. Then follows, Esther 9:26 and Esther 9:27, another wordy statement of the fact, that it was by reason of this letter, and on account of what they had seen, i.e., experienced, that the annual celebration of this feast was instituted for a perpetual memorial to all Jews at all times (Esther 9:28 and Esther 9:29).