Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. Wine. Hebrew and Septuagint “things.” Syr. and Arab. have simply, “drink.”—Portions. The Greeks styled them, μεριδες; and the Latins, sportulæ. The custom prevailed not only among the Jews, (Esther 9:19) but also among Christians and pagans. Moses frequently exhorts the people to invite the poor; (Deuteronomy 16:14) and Saint Paul blames the rich Corinthians, for giving no part of their feast to them. 1 Corinthians 11:21.—Strength. By this holy joy, we shall be encouraged to perform all our duties. Calmet.—Septuagint “Be not downcast, because he (the Lord) is our strength.” Bible.