Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsEsther 9

The case being changed.

In this whole history (as in many other passages of holy Scripture) ^{[1] [2]} we see the marvelous change of the right hand of the Highest. First, in the very instant of extreme danger, the King's face with burning eyes shewing the fury of his breast, ch. 15. v. 10. was turned into mildness towards Esther, v. 11. Secondly, proud Aman being advanced in honour & office, above all Princes of the King's court, ch. 3. v. 1. was suddenly forced publicly to lead Mardocheus his horse, whom he most hated, ch. 6. v. 10. Thirdly, he was constrained with loud voice to proclaim his honour, whom he most despised and threatened. Fourthly, the same Aman, before called the father (as it were the only governor) of the king, ch. 13. v. 6. ch. 16. v. 11. was forthwith condemned for a traitor. ch. 7. v. 8. ch. 16. v. 18. Fifthly, He that could not abide to see Mardocheus, ch. 5. v. 13. afterward durst not look upon the king, nor could endure his countenance. ch. 7. v. 6. Sixthly, He was hanged on the same gallows, which he had prepared for Mardocheus, ch. 7. v. 9. Seventhly, Whereas he was not content with the death of Mardocheus alone, but procured the king's decree to destroy the whole nation. ch. 3. v. 6. and so feasted with the king, when the Jews mourned, v. 15. shortly after the king sent new letters for the Jews' safety, giving them leave to kill whomsoever they would of their enemies. ch. 8. v. 8. 11. Eighthly, the same day which was designed for destruction, was made the day of joy and exultation to the children of God, ch. 9. v. 1. 17. ch. 16. v. 21. &c. By which literal sense God's marvelous providence is manifestly shewed, never suffering his Church to perish. It hath moreover two special mystical senses. First, as safety of temporal life was procured to one nation by Esther's intercession to King Assuerus, so general salvation is procured to all mankind by mediation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ^{[3] [4]} crushing the serpent's head; and the sentence of death is changed by new letters, granting everlasting life, and glory to all God's true servants. Esther also, as likewise Judith, ^[5] in figure of the Church (saith S. Jerom, Prologo in Sophon. ) killed the adversaries, and delivered Israel from danger of perishing.

• 1 Great & marvelous changes by the power of God.
• 2 Psa. 76.
• 3 Esther a figure of our B. Lady.
• 4 D. Tho. prologo in Epist. Canonic.
• 5 And of the Church.