### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâth**, represented by `{{H1881}}`, is a term of uncertain and perhaps foreign derivation that signifies a royal edict or statute. It appears **22 times** across **21 unique verses** and is used to mean **commandment, commission, decree, law, manner**. The vast majority of its occurrences are found in the book of Esther, where it is central to the narrative of Persian royal power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1881}}` is predominantly associated with the absolute authority of a king's decree. In the Persian court of King Ahasuerus, a **law** was considered unalterable once written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes [[Esther 1:19]]. This authority had the power of life and death, as seen in the **decree** to destroy the Jews ([[Esther 3:15]], [[Esther 4:8]]) and the subsequent counter-**decree** that granted them the right to defend themselves ([[Esther 8:17]], [[Esther 9:1]]). Beyond a formal edict, the word can also describe a custom or **manner**, such as the regulations for drinking at the king's banquet [[Esther 1:8]] or the prescribed **manner** of purification for women [[Esther 2:12]]. A unique and powerful usage appears in Deuteronomy, where the LORD `{{H3068}}` gives a "fiery **law**" from His right hand [[Deuteronomy 33:2]], contrasting the edicts of human kings with the divine law of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of law and royal authority:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word is intrinsically linked to **dâth**, as the decree almost always originates from a **king** [[Esther 3:8]]. The authority of the **law** is derived from the power of the **king** who issues it.
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word, commandment, decree): Often used in conjunction with **dâth**, this term emphasizes the spoken or declared aspect of a royal order. Edicts were conveyed through the **king's** **commandment** and his **decree** [[Esther 9:1]], which were then heard and put into execution.
* `{{H6680}}` **tsâvâh** (appoint, enjoin, command): This verb describes the action of issuing a **dâth**. The king could **command** a decree to be written [[Esther 1:19]], and Mordecai could **charge** Esther to appeal to the king for her people based on a written decree [[Esther 4:8]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): The decrees and laws were made official and permanent when they were **written**. A royal commandment was **written** among the laws of the Persians and Medes so that it could not be altered [[Esther 1:19]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H1881}}` is demonstrated through its various applications, highlighting themes of power, order, and deliverance.
* **Absolute Royal Authority:** The word embodies the immense power of a monarch. A single **law** issued by the king could determine who was put to death `{{H4191}}` for approaching him uncalled [[Esther 4:11]] or command the annihilation of an entire people `{{H8045}}` across all provinces `{{H4082}}` [[Esther 4:8]].
* **Human vs. Divine Law:** The book of Esther portrays human **law** as something that can be manipulated for evil by figures like Haman `{{H2001}}` [[Esther 3:8]]. Esther must risk her life by going against the **law** to save her people [[Esther 4:16]]. This stands in stark contrast to the "fiery **law**" `{{H799}}` from God's own right hand `{{H3225}}`, which is presented as holy and absolute [[Deuteronomy 33:2]].
* **The Power of a Published Decree:** A **dâth** was not merely a private order but a public declaration. A copy `{{H6572}}` of the writing `{{H3791}}` was given `{{H5414}}` and published `{{H1540}}` to all people `{{H5971}}` to ensure its execution ([[Esther 3:14]], [[Esther 8:13]]). The arrival of a decree could bring great mourning `{{H60}}` [[Esther 4:3]] or joy `{{H8057}}` and gladness `{{H8342}}` [[Esther 8:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1881}}` **dâth** is a term laden with the weight of absolute power, primarily functioning as a royal **decree**, **law**, or **commission**. While its usage in the book of Esther defines it as an edict of a human king—powerful yet fallible—its appearance in Deuteronomy elevates the concept to describe the very law of God. It illustrates how an earthly instrument of rule can also serve as a metaphor for divine authority and judgment.
TRV