13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
13 Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times
13 Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,
13 the king called in his counselors, all experts in legal matters. It was the king's practice to consult his expert advisors.
13 Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king's manner toward all who knew law and justice,
13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 1:13
Commentary on Esther 1:10-22
(Read Esther 1:10-22)
Ahasuerus's feast ended in heaviness, by his own folly. Seasons of peculiar festivity often end in vexation. Superiors should be careful not to command what may reasonably be disobeyed. But when wine is in, men's reason departs from them. He that had rule over 127 provinces, had no rule over his own spirit. But whether the passion or the policy of the king was served by this decree, God's providence made way for Esther to the crown, and defeated Haman's wicked project, even before it had entered into his heart, and he arrived at his power. Let us rejoice that the Lord reigns, and will overrule the madness or folly of mankind to promote his own glory, and the safety and happiness of his people.