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.

So the posts {H7323} that rode {H7392} upon mules {H7409} and camels {H327} went out {H3318}, being hastened {H926} and pressed on {H1765} by the king's {H4428} commandment {H1697}. And the decree {H1881} was given {H5414} at Shushan {H7800} the palace {H1002}.

Couriers riding fast horses used in the king's service left quickly, pressed by the king's order; and the decree was issued in Shushan the capital.

The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.

So the posts that rode upon swift steeds that were used in the king’s service went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment; and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace.

Esther 8:14 describes the swift and authoritative distribution of King Ahasuerus's new decree throughout the vast Persian Empire, countering the previous edict issued by Haman.

Context

Following Mordecai's elevation and Haman's demise, Queen Esther and Mordecai secured a new royal decree from King Ahasuerus. This second edict, detailed in Esther 8:13, granted the Jewish people the right to assemble and defend themselves against any who would attack them on the day Haman's original decree was set to be executed. The urgency of disseminating this life-saving message was paramount, as the original decree, which commanded the annihilation of the Jews, remained legally binding until the new one could be widely known and acted upon. This verse highlights the immediate implementation of this crucial counter-measure, emphasizing the speed required to reach all 127 provinces of the Persian Empire from Shushan the palace.

Key Themes

  • Urgency and Swiftness: The phrase "hastened and pressed on" powerfully conveys the critical need for speed. The messengers, or "posts," used the fastest means available—mules and camels—to cover immense distances rapidly. This urgency was a direct reflection of the impending danger the Jewish people faced, underscoring the race against time to deliver the life-saving news.
  • Royal Authority and Execution: The "king's commandment" signifies the absolute power and mandate behind the decree. When a Persian king issued an order, it was to be obeyed without delay or question. The swift action of the posts demonstrates the efficiency and far-reaching influence of the royal administration.
  • Divine Providence: While not explicitly stated, the rapid and effective distribution of this decree is a testament to God's providential hand working through human instruments. Just as Haman's wicked plan was swiftly set in motion (Esther 3:15), so too was the means of salvation, demonstrating God's ability to turn circumstances around for the good of His people.
  • Reversal of Fortune: This verse marks a pivotal moment in the book of Esther, symbolizing the complete reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. The same system that was used to spread Haman's decree of destruction was now being utilized to spread a decree of deliverance and defense, highlighting the dramatic shift in power and divine intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The term "posts" refers to the royal couriers or swift messengers who were part of the highly organized postal system of the Persian Empire. The mention of "mules and camels" indicates the specific animals chosen for their endurance and speed across varied terrains, essential for traversing the empire's vast distances. The Hebrew phrase translated "hastened and pressed on" (דְּחוּפִים וּבְהוּלִים, dechufim u'b'hulim) vividly portrays the extreme urgency and relentless effort exerted by the messengers to fulfill the king's command, ensuring the decree reached every province without delay.

Practical Application

Esther 8:14 reminds us of the critical nature of timely action when facing adversity. Just as the swift delivery of this decree was essential for the Jews' survival, so too is the prompt response to spiritual or physical threats in our lives. It also serves as a powerful illustration of how God can use established systems and human efforts to bring about His purposes, even in seemingly desperate situations. The story of Esther, culminating in this swift deliverance, encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His people, even when the means of salvation may seem to depend on earthly decrees and human swiftness, as seen in the ultimate triumph of God's plan for His people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Esther 3:15

    The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
  • Daniel 8:2

    And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
  • Esther 2:3

    And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:
  • Nehemiah 1:1

    ¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
  • 1 Samuel 21:8

    And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
  • Esther 1:2

    [That] in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which [was] in Shushan the palace,

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