Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. New Living Translation So urged on by the king’s command, the messengers rode out swiftly on fast horses bred for the king’s service. The same decree was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. English Standard Version So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king’s service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel. New American Standard Bible The couriers, hurrying and speeded by the king’s command, left, riding on the royal relay horses; and the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa. NASB 1995 The couriers, hastened and impelled by the king’s command, went out, riding on the royal steeds; and the decree was given out at the citadel in Susa. NASB 1977 The couriers, hastened and impelled by the king’s command, went out, riding on the royal steeds; and the decree was given out in Susa the capital. Legacy Standard Bible The couriers, hurried and hastened by the king’s word, went out, riding on the royal steeds; and the law was given out at the citadel in Susa. Amplified Bible So the couriers, who were mounted on the royal relay horses, left quickly, urged on by the king’s command; and the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa [the capital]. Christian Standard Bible The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses at the king’s urgent command. The law was also issued in the fortress of Susa. Holman Christian Standard Bible The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses at the king’s urgent command. The law was also issued in the fortress of Susa. American Standard Version 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. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation The messengers rode the king's fastest horses. They left quickly, in keeping with the king's command. The decree was issued also in the fortress of Susa. Good News Translation At the king's command the riders mounted royal horses and rode off at top speed. The decree was also made public in Susa, the capital city. International Standard Version The couriers, mounted on the royal steeds, left quickly, urged on by the king's command. The edict was also issued in Susa the capital. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible The couriers who were riding the royal horses went forth with the king's edict without delay. And the law was presented in Susa the citadel as well. New Heart English Bible So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Shushan. Webster's Bible Translation 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. World English Bible So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe runners, riding on the dromedary, [and] the mules, have gone out, hurried and pressed by the word of the king, and the law has been given in Shushan the palace. Young's Literal Translation The runners, riding on the dromedary, and the mules, have gone out, hastened and pressed by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace. Smith's Literal Translation The runners riding the courser, the mules, went forth, being hastened and impelled by the word of the king. And the edict was given in Shushan the fortress. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the swift posts went out carrying the messages, and the king's edict was hung up in Susan. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Couriers mounted on royal steeds sped forth in haste at the king’s order, and the decree was promulgated in the royal precinct of Susa. New Revised Standard Version So the couriers, mounted on their swift royal steeds, hurried out, urged by the king’s command. The decree was issued in the citadel of Susa. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the runners and the posts that rode on horseback went out, being hastened by the decree and the king's command which was given at Shushan the palace. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Runners and the Post Messengers, the Horse Riders came, and they went out speedily with the message and with the order that was ordered in Shushan the Palace. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So 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 castle. Brenton Septuagint Translation So the horsemen went forth with haste to perform the king's commands; and the ordinance was also published in Susa. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Decree of Xerxes…13A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14The 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. 15Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.… Cross References Daniel 6:8-9 Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” / Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Esther 3:13 And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. Esther 1:19 So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. Esther 3:15 The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. Esther 4:8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. Esther 9:20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far, Esther 9:30 And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes, 2 Chronicles 30:6 At the command of the king, the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria. Nehemiah 8:15 and that they should proclaim this message and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” Jeremiah 51:31 One courier races to meet another, and messenger follows messenger, to announce to the king of Babylon that his city has been captured from end to end. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Romans 10:18 But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Acts 15:30-31 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. / When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message. Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region. Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. Treasury of Scripture So the posts that rode on mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace. being hastened. 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. 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. Shushan. Esther 1:2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, 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: 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. Jump to Previous Blood Business Camels Capital Castle Citadel Command Commandment Couriers Decree Edict Forced Haste Hastened Horses Impelled Issued King's Mounted Mules Order Palace Posts Pressed Quick-Running Rode Royal Service Shushan Spurred Steeds Susa Swift Time Urged Used WastingJump to Next Blood Business Camels Capital Castle Citadel Command Commandment Couriers Decree Edict Forced Haste Hastened Horses Impelled Issued King's Mounted Mules Order Palace Posts Pressed Quick-Running Rode Royal Service Shushan Spurred Steeds Susa Swift Time Urged Used WastingEsther 8 1. Mordecai is advanced.3. Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters. 7. Xerxes grants to the Jews to defend themselves. 15. Mordecai's honor, and the Jews' joy. The couriers rode out in haste The urgency of the couriers reflects the critical nature of the message they carried. In the ancient Persian Empire, couriers were essential for communication across vast distances. The haste indicates the importance of the decree, which was to counteract the previous edict against the Jews. This urgency can be compared to the swift spread of the Gospel in the New Testament, where the message of salvation was carried quickly to various regions (Acts 13:49). on their royal horses pressed on by the command of the king And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa Persons / Places / Events 1. CouriersThese were messengers tasked with delivering the king's decrees swiftly across the empire. Their role was crucial in ensuring that the king's commands were communicated effectively and promptly. 2. Royal Horses Symbolizing the authority and urgency of the king's message, these horses were likely the best and fastest available, emphasizing the importance of the decree. 3. King's Command This refers to the decree issued by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies, reversing the earlier edict that permitted their destruction. 4. Citadel of Susa The fortified palace complex in the city of Susa, which served as the administrative center of the Persian Empire. It was the location where the decree was issued and from where the couriers departed. 5. Decree The new law that allowed the Jews to protect themselves, a pivotal moment in the account of Esther, highlighting God's providence and deliverance for His people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingGod's timing is perfect, and His plans are executed with precision. The swift dispatch of the couriers underscores the urgency and importance of God's deliverance. The Power of Intercession Esther's bravery and intercession for her people remind us of the power of prayer and advocacy. We are called to stand in the gap for others, trusting God to work through our efforts. Divine Reversals God can turn situations around for His glory and our good. The reversal of the decree is a powerful reminder that no situation is beyond God's ability to change. Faith in Action The Jews were given the right to defend themselves, illustrating that faith often requires action. We must be prepared to act in faith when God opens doors for deliverance.(14) Mules and camels.--See above on Esther 8:10. Being hastened.--Why this haste, seeing there yet remained nearly nine months (wanting ten days) before the first edict would come into play? There may probably have been fears lest the first edict, which indicated a distinct animus of the Court against the Jews, might have been interpreted freely, according to the spirit of it, and the date anticipated by eager partisans. Verse 14. - The posts that rode upon mules and camels. Rather, "that rode on coursers of the stud royal" (see the comment on ver. 10). The verse repeats Esther 3:15, with small additions. It appears that the later posts were urged to haste still more strongly than the earlier ones - not that time really pressed, but from superabundant caution - that there might be an opportunity for further communications between the provinces and the court, if doubt was anywhere entertained as to the king's intentions. MORDECAI'S HONOUR AND THE JEWS' JOY (Esther 8:15-17). Ahasuerus was not content even now with what he had done for Mordecai. Before his minister quitted the presence, the king presented him with a crown of gold, and a robe and vest of honour; and thus arrayed he proceeded into the city of Susa, where the new edict was already known, and had been received with satisfaction (ver. 15). The Persians, who formed the predominant element in the population of the town, sympathised with the Jews, and rejoiced in the king's favour towards them; while the Jews of Susa, having passed from despair to confident hope, were full of gladness and thankfulness. In the provinces the decree had a still warmer welcome. Its arrival was celebrated with "a feast" (ver. 17) and "a good day." It led also to many of the heathen becoming proselytes to the Jewish religion - some perhaps from conviction, but others because they thought it safer to place themselves manifestly on the Jews' side before the day of the struggle:Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The couriersהָרָצִ֞ים (hā·rā·ṣîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7323: To run rode רֹכְבֵ֤י (rō·ḵə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 7392: To ride, to place upon, to despatch out יָֽצְא֛וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim in haste מְבֹהָלִ֥ים (mə·ḇō·hā·lîm) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 926: To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously on their royal הָֽאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים (hā·’ă·ḥaš·tə·rā·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 327: A mule horses, הָרֶ֙כֶשׁ֙ (hā·re·ḵeš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7409: A relay of animals on a, post-route, a courser pressed on וּדְחוּפִ֖ים (ū·ḏə·ḥū·p̄îm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural Strong's 1765: To drive, hasten by the command בִּדְבַ֣ר (biḏ·ḇar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the king. הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king And the edict וְהַדָּ֥ת (wə·had·dāṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute was also issued נִתְּנָ֖ה (nit·tə·nāh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set in the citadel הַבִּירָֽה׃ (hab·bî·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1002: A castle, palace of Susa. בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן (bə·šū·šan) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7800: Susa -- residence of person kings Links Esther 8:14 NIVEsther 8:14 NLT Esther 8:14 ESV Esther 8:14 NASB Esther 8:14 KJV Esther 8:14 BibleApps.com Esther 8:14 Biblia Paralela Esther 8:14 Chinese Bible Esther 8:14 French Bible Esther 8:14 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 8:14 So the couriers who rode on royal (Est Esth. 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