This banquet was not according to the appointed law, but as the king desired to have it. He charged the stewards to perform his will and that of the company.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Neither. Hebrew “and the drinking was according to the law.” Greek “was not according to the pre-established law;” ( Bible.) as the usual custom was altered, on this occasion; and thus both may be accurate. The Persians had commonly a king of the feast, whose orders all were obliged to obey in drinking. Hor. i. Ode 4. Sirach 32:1.—This was an occasion of quarrels, (Saint Jerome) and of intoxication. Agesilaus followed the example of Assuerus. Darius, and Cyrus the younger, gloried in being able to drink much wine without being deranged. Calmet.
Reges dicuntur urgere culullis,
Et torquere mero, quem perspexisse laborant,
An sit amicitia dignus. Hor. ad Pison.
Among friends, these “absurd laws” wer laid aside.
Siccat inequales calices conviva, solutus
Legibus insanis. Hor. ii. Sat. 6. Calmet.
This may suggest to Christians, that they ought not to urge any to get drunk, (Saint Augustine ser. 231. de Temp.) lest they should be condemned by the very heathens. Worthington.—Would, and thus prevent disorders as much as possible. Athen. x. 6.