In. Hebrew, “and in.” In this manner the books of Scripture are usually connected. Septuagint place first the dream of Mardochai, chap. xi. 2. (Calmet)

Assuerus. Septuagint Artaxerxes; as [in] chap xvi. 1. The former is the title of the Median, the latter of the Persian, monarchs. This king reigned over both nations, and was most probably Darius Hystaspes, the third king of the Persians, (Tirinus) who subdued India, &c. (Herodotus) (Calmet) (Tirinus)

Some understand Cambyses, (1 Esdras iv.; Genebrard) or Xerxes (Scalig.) or Artaxerxes Longimanus, (Bellarmine; Salien) or Memnon, (Eusebius) or Ochus. (Serarius)

But (Calmet) the author of 3 Esdras iii. 1., and iv. 43., seems clearly declared for Hystaspes. (Tirinus)

Though that work be not canonical, (Du Hamel) it may claim some authority, as an ancient history. (Haydock)

This king gave orders for the building of the temple, 1 Esdras vi. 1, 14.

India. Part had been (Calmet) subject to Xerxes. (Herodotus vii. 65.)

But Darius subdued the country, and imposed a heavy tribute. (Herodotus iv. 44.)

Ethiopia, beyond Egypt, paid an acknowledgment. Cambyses had taken possession of this country. (Calmet)

Some understand a part of Arabia to be meant. (Du Hamel)

Seven: 120 had been regulated by Darius, the Mede, Daniel vi. 1. (Haydock)

The number might vary as the monarch chose. (Du Hamel)

Herodotus (iii. 89.) only specifies “twenty.” But he speaks of large departments, to which he intimates that several others were subordinate. (Calmet)

Provinces. Hebrew medina, “seat of judges.” (Haydock)

Prefecture. (Menochius)