Esther 3:14

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

The copy {H6572} of the writing {H3791} for a commandment {H1881} to be given {H5414} in every province {H4082} was published {H1540} unto all people {H5971}, that they should be ready {H6264} against that day {H3117}.

A copy of the document to be issued as a decree in every province was to be publicly proclaimed to all the peoples, so that they would be ready for that day.

A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day.

A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.

Commentary

Context

This verse details the crucial step of disseminating Haman's genocidal decree against the Jewish people throughout the vast Persian Empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia. Following King Ahasuerus giving Haman his signet ring and full authority, the wicked minister had drafted the order to annihilate all Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. This specific command, explicitly stated in Esther 3:13, was now being formally published to ensure all citizens, both perpetrators and victims, were aware and ready for "that day."

Key Themes

  • Imminent and Widespread Danger: The primary theme is the grave and expansive threat faced by the Jewish community. The meticulous dissemination of the decree highlights the thoroughness of Haman's evil plan.
  • Authority and Enforcement: The publication of the decree, issued with the king's authority, underscores the binding nature of Persian law and the power of such official documents to instigate widespread action.
  • Preparation for Destruction: The phrase "that they should be ready against that day" refers to the preparation of the non-Jewish population to execute the decree, emphasizing the horrific intent behind it.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "copy of the writing for a commandment" refer to the official nature of the decree. The Hebrew word for "writing" (mishtav) denotes an official document, while "commandment" (dath) signifies a royal law, emphasizing its binding and unchangeable nature within Persian jurisprudence. The term "published" (from nathan, meaning "to give" or "to put forth") signifies its authoritative and public dissemination across all provinces.

Practical Application and Significance

Esther 3:14 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of evil and the deliberate planning that often accompanies it. It illustrates how powerful decrees, even unjust ones, can be enforced widely. For the Jewish people, this news brought immense distress and mourning, as described in Esther 4:3. However, this dire situation also sets the stage for God's divine providence to work through individuals like Mordecai and Esther, ultimately leading to their deliverance. The verse highlights the severity of the threat that God miraculously intervened to overcome, a testament to His faithfulness even when He is not explicitly named in the book.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Esther 8:13

    The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province [was] published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

  • Esther 8:14

    [So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
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