1)

Why does it mention setting the table?

1.

Radak: While setting the table, they told the lookout to look.

2.

Malbim: This shows the lunacy of the lookout, who is befuddled between Simchah and terror. He calls to set the table, and eat and drink, and also to arouse the officers to anoint the shield for war.

2)

What is the meaning of "Tzafo ha'Tzafis"?

1.

Rashi: Erect the lamp. In Bereishis Rabah (63:14), [there are places where] they call a lamp Tzafisa.

2.

Radak, based on Targum Yonasan: They told the lookout to look, for they feared Madai and Paras.

3)

Why does it mention eating and drinking?

1.

Rashi: Amidst eating and drinking, they screamed for the officers to rise.

2.

Malbim: Refer to 21:5:1:2.

4)

Why does it say "Mishchu Magen"?

1.

Rashi: The shields are of cooked hide. They anoint them with oil, so weapons that strike it will slip off. So it says about Sha'ul - "Ki Sham Nig'al Magen Giborim" (Shmuel II, 1:21) - it expelled its anointing, and did not accept it. His shield became as if it was not anointed with oil.

2.

Radak based on Targum Yonasan: Clean and polish the Zaina, i.e. weapons such as armor and helmets. Also they protect a person in war.

3.

Radak: Anoint a king; he protects the people. Their king Belshatzar died that night - anoint another in place of him!

4.

Malbim: Refer to 21:5:1:2.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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