I have a number of posts I’ve been meaning to make lately, however my attention has been directed elsewhere. For the time being anyone with any interest in the Purim story and/or rich political intrigue within the explanations of the Malbim on Megillat Esther, I cannot recommend the following highly enough: www.learntorah.com search for Rabbi Eli Mansour, and then select to see ALL, not 10 per pg, then search for “Megilat Esther with Malbim Perek 1″. The first 4 lectures are free to download, the others look to be free to listen to online. The Malbim’s understanding is very very interesting.