Esther 5:10

Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) Zeresh.—A name probably derived from an old Persian word for “gold.” According to the Targum she was the daughter of Tatnai, “the governour on this side the river,” i.e., of that part of the Persian Empire which lay beyond the Euphrates ( Ezra 5:3).

Benson Commentary

Esther 5:10. Nevertheless, Haman refrained himself — From taking present vengeance upon Mordecai, which he might easily have effected, either by his own, or any of his servants’ hands, without any fear of inconvenience to himself. But herein God’s wise and powerful providence appeared in disposing Haman’s heart, contrary to his own inclination, and making him, as it were, to put fetters upon his own hands.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

5:9-14 This account of Haman is a comment upon Pr 21:24. Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers. Haman, the higher he is lifted up, the more impatient he is of contempt, and the more enraged at it. The affront from Mordecai spoiled all. A slight affront, which a humble man would scarcely notice, will torment a proud man, even to madness, and will mar all his comforts. Those disposed to be uneasy, will never want something to be uneasy at. Such are proud men; though they have much to their mind, if they have not all to their mind, it is as nothing to them. Many call the proud happy, who display pomp and make a show; but this is a mistaken thought. Many poor cottagers feel far less uneasiness than the rich, with all their fancied advantages around them. The man who knows not Christ, is poor though he be rich, because he is utterly destitute of that which alone is true riches.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Zeresh - This name is probably connected with the Zend zara, "gold." Compare the Greek "Chrysis."

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8. let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare—The king ate alone, and his guests in an adjoining hall; but they were admitted to sit with him at wine. Haman being the only invited guest with the king and queen, it was natural that he should have been elated with the honor.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Haman refrained himself from taking present vengeance upon Mordecai, to which he was strongly inclined, and which he might easily have effected, either by his own or any of his servants’ hands, without any expectation or fear of inconvenience to himself, who having obtained license to destroy a whole nation, could easily get a pardon for having killed one obscure and infamous member of it. Herein therefore God’s wise and powerful providence appeared in disposing Haman’s heart, contrary to his own inclination and interest, and making him, as it were, to put fetters upon his own hands.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Nevertheless Haman refrained himself,.... From showing any outward resentment to Mordecai, from laying hands upon him or taking revenge on him, as being too much below him to avenge himself on a single person, when the whole body of the people Mordecai belonged to would shortly feel the power of his hand for such insolent treatment of him:

and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife; who, the Targum says, was the daughter of Tatnai, the governor on the other side the river, Ezra 5:3.

Geneva Study Bible

Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

10. Haman also on his side uses circumspection in carrying out his vengeful design. Instead of ordering immediate punishment to be inflicted upon his enemy, an act which we may safely assume would in virtue of his position be easy of accomplishment, he consults his wife and his friends.

Zeresh] The name is probably the Hebraised form of the Persian zaris, gilt or golden. Cp. the Greek Chryses, Chrysçis.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 10. - Haman refrained himself. That is to say, so far as speech and act went. He said nothing; he did not strike his insulter; he did not order his servants to drag the fellow outside the gate and give him the bastinado. But he did not "refrain his heart." He allowed the affront that he had received to remain in his mind and rankle there. It poisoned his happiness, marred all his enjoyment, filled him with hatred and rage. When he came home, he sent and called for his friends. It was not so much to be partners in his joy that Haman called his friends around him as to be companions in his grief. It is true that his speech to them was chiefly occupied with boasts; but the true intention of the discourse is seen in its close - "All this availeth me nothing," etc. Esther 5:10

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

Haman, however, refrained himself; and without immediately giving vent to his rage at Mordochai, went home and sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh, that he might unburden himself before them, and take counsel with them for Mordochai's destruction.