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Esther 1:1
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (thisis Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia,over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, thatis, the month Sivan, on the three and twentiethday thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces whichare from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Luke 2:1
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

the isles.

Genesis 10:5
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Psalm 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Isaiah 24:15
Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires,even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

imposed tribute
Tribute was a common practice in ancient empires, serving as a means of asserting control and generating revenue. It involved the collection of taxes or goods from conquered territories. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in2 Kings 23:33-35, where Pharaoh Neco imposed tribute on Judah. The imposition of tribute by Xerxes reflects the administrative and economic strategies of the Persian Empire, which relied on a complex system of satrapies and local governance to maintain its vast territories.

throughout the land
The phrase "throughout the land" indicates the extensive reach of Xerxes' rule. The Persian Empire was one of the largest empires in ancient history, encompassing diverse cultures and peoples. This vastness is echoed inEsther 1:1, which describes the empire as stretching from India to Cush. The administration of such a large territory required efficient systems of communication and governance, which were facilitated by the Royal Road and other infrastructure.

even to its farthest shores
The "farthest shores" likely refer to the extremities of the Persian Empire, which included regions along the Mediterranean Sea and possibly the Indian Ocean. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Xerxes' authority and the extent of his dominion. It also highlights the geopolitical significance of the empire, which served as a bridge between East and West. The mention of distant shores can be seen as a reminder of the global scope of God's providence, as the events in Esther ultimately lead to the preservation of the Jewish people, ensuring the continuation of the messianic line.

“Now King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores” (Esther 10:1).

• The word “Now” signals a shift from the dramatic deliverance of chapters 8–9 to a concluding note of governmental order.

• Scripture often uses a simple transitional word to show God’s continued oversight after great events (cf.Joshua 1:1;Acts 9:1).

• It reminds readers that divine rescue does not suspend ordinary civic life; instead, God works within it.

• The historical monarch (also called Ahasuerus) still reigns at the close of Esther, affirmingRomans 13:1 that “there is no authority except from God.”

• God’s providence is evident: the same king who once authorized Haman’s genocide now secures the peace Mordecai helped establish (Esther 8:15).

• Xerxes’ mention anchors the narrative in real time and space, underscoring the literal reliability of Scripture’s record (1 Kings 15:23 for similar royal chronicles).

• “Tribute” refers to taxes or levies for the empire’s maintenance—ordinary business for any ruler (1 Samuel 8:10-18).

• After national turmoil, taxation shows life’s return to structure and stability, paralleling Joseph’s administration in Egypt (Genesis 41:34-36).

• For Israelite readers in exile, it testifies that survival under foreign rule can still be orderly, reflectingJeremiah 29:7’s call to “seek the welfare of the city.”

• The phrase confirms that Xerxes governed effectively over the core provinces of Persia, fulfillingProverbs 29:4: “By justice a king gives a country stability.”

• God’s people, though scattered, live under a wide jurisdiction. Their safety depends on the earthly ruler executing fair policy (Esther 9:4).

• It hints that Mordecai, now second to the king (Esther 10:3), likely advised on the breadth and fairness of the assessment.

• The empire’s extremities—Mediterranean coasts, African and Indian frontiers—felt the king’s reach, illustratingPsalm 72:8: “He will rule from sea to sea.”

• Such scope echoes earlier prophetic assurances that God can protect His people wherever they dwell (Isaiah 11:11-12).

• Because God had raised Mordecai, the welfare of Jews as far away as the “farthest shores” was linked to Persia’s sound administration, fulfillingGenesis 12:3’s promise of blessing through Abraham’s line.

Esther 10:1 shows that after dramatic deliverance, God’s providence continues through normal governance. Xerxes, the earthly king, levies taxes across a vast empire, yet behind his decree stands the unseen King who safeguards His people everywhere.

(1)Laid a tribute.--The disastrous expedition to Greece must have taxed the resources of the empire to the utmost, and fresh tribute would therefore be requisite to fill the exhausted coffers. Besides this, a harassing war was still going on, even ten years after the battle of Salamis, on the coast of Asia Minor, and this would require fresh supplies.

The isles of the sea.--The chief island yet remaining to the Persian Empire was Cyprus. Those in the 'gean Sea were now free from Persian rule, but possibly, even after the loss, the old phrase may have been retained; just as in modern times we have Kings of "England,France, and Ireland," and of "the two Sicilies, andJerusalem" &c.