Esther — Chapter 13

Vitam silentio transigentes, optata cunctis

Living their life in silence — that is, quietly, without disturbances and tumults, in peace and tranquility, as the Greek has it.

Deleantur quarta decima die duodecimi mensis

Let them be destroyed on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month Adar — for they were ordered to begin the slaughter on the 13th but complete it on the 14th, which was done with the exchange of lots, the Jews killing their enemies on those days, as is clear from ch. 9 v. 17. There is therefore no contradiction here that should cast suspicion on the authority and credibility of these chapters, as the innovators would wish.

Mardochaeus autem deprecatus est Dominum

Mordecai's prayer is now recited — a pious, vigorous, and ardent prayer, which the Church accordingly uses in the Mass on the Wednesday after the Second Sunday of Lent, from which it is clear that it is, like the other contents of these chapters, canonical Scripture according to the decree of the Council of Trent sess. IV. \"Lord, Lord, almighty king, for all things are in your power, and there is none that can withstand your will, if you have determined to save Israel. You have made heaven and earth, and all that is held within the compass of heaven. You are Lord of all.\" In this prayer Mordecai acknowledges that God is omnipotent, the creator of all things, and that no one can resist him if he wills to save Israel.

Cuncta nosti, et scis quia non pro superbia

You know all things, and you know that not out of pride or contempt or any desire for glory did I do this, in not bowing before proud Haman — the true reason Mordecai did not worship Haman was not pride or disdain but the fear of transferring to a man the honor due to God alone.

Libenter enim pro salute Israel etiam vestigia

For I would readily and willingly have kissed the soles of his feet for the salvation of Israel. \"Soles\" or \"footprints\" — the impressions his foot makes in the dust; or by metonymy the feet and soles themselves. Josippus Gorionides has: \"I would have been ready to lick the shoe on his feet and the dust he had trodden.\" Alluding to Isa. 49:23: \"They shall worship you with their faces toward the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet.\" Kissing another's footprint is an act of supreme humility and veneration.

Sed timui ne honorem Dei mei transferrem

But I feared lest I should transfer the honor of my God to a man — the worship of latria due to God alone. For Haman wished to be adored as God, as I showed at ch. 3 v. 2.

Et nunc, Domine rex Deus Abraham, miserere

And now, Lord, King, God of Abraham, have mercy on your people — meaning the Jews, who are the specific people, heritage, and special possession that God chose for himself from all nations.

Ne despicias partem tuam, quam redemisti

Do not despise your portion — that is, your heritage, the people of Israel, whom you chose as your own inheritance and peculiar people from among all nations.

Exaudi deprecationem meam, et ne claudas

Hear my prayer and do not close the mouths of those who sing to you — for if we die, we can sing to you no more; thus your praise will perish both for you and for us.