Post date: Feb 24, 2015 3:46:39 AM
Yeitzei divar malchus milfanav
Let there go forth a royal edict from him
(1:19)
Until this time, all edicts were first proposed to the king’s cabinet of ministers for review, as we saw six Pesukim earlier when the Pasuk said “Chein divar hamelech lifnei kol yod’ei das va’din” (for such was the king’s procedure to turn to all who knew law and judgement).
However, at this point, explains the Alshich, Memuchan suggested that this particular edict should come straight from the king himself. Achashveirosh was proclaming that all husbands should be the undisputed ruler in their homes. Because of the manner in which Vashti turned down the king’s summons, there was concern that all the women in the empire would suddenly “rebel” against their husbands. Memuchan wanted to bolster his position as Achashveirosh’s right hand man, so he wanted to take credit for something which the king would be pleased with. Having this proclamation made by the king himself would reinforce its importance and almost certainly guarantee its effectiveness and finality.
[Zvi Fleisher @ shemayisrael.com]