Esther 8:14
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 Version
The 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 Bible
So the swift posts went out carrying the messages, and the king's edict was hung up in Susan.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so the swift couriers departed in haste, carrying through the announcement, and the king’s edict was hung up in Susa.

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 Bible
So 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 1917
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 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 Wasting
Jump 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 Wasting
Esther 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
In the ancient Persian Empire, couriers were essential for communication across vast distances. The Hebrew term used here, "רָצִים" (ratsim), implies swift runners or messengers. Historically, the Persian postal system was highly advanced, with stations set up at intervals to ensure messages were delivered quickly. This reflects the urgency and importance of the king's decree, emphasizing the efficiency and organization of the empire.

rode out in haste
The phrase "rode out in haste" underscores the urgency of the situation. The Hebrew word "דָּחוּף" (dachuf) conveys a sense of pressing urgency. This urgency is not just a matter of speed but of life and death, as the decree was a matter of survival for the Jewish people. The haste reflects the king's immediate response to Esther's plea and Mordecai's influence, highlighting the providential timing in God's plan.

on their royal horses
The use of "royal horses" signifies the authority and official nature of the message. These were not ordinary horses but those reserved for royal use, indicating the decree's importance. In the Persian Empire, such horses were bred for speed and endurance, symbolizing the power and reach of the king's command. This detail emphasizes the king's backing and the seriousness with which the decree was to be taken.

at the king’s urgent command
The phrase "at the king’s urgent command" highlights the authority behind the decree. The king, Ahasuerus, had been moved by Esther's appeal, and his command reflects a decisive and authoritative action. The Hebrew word "דָּחַק" (dachaq) for "urgent" suggests a pressing necessity, showing the king's determination to rectify the situation and protect the Jewish people.

And the decree was issued
The issuance of the decree marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew word "נִתַּן" (nitan) implies a formal giving or setting forth of the decree. This act of issuing the decree is a reversal of the previous edict against the Jews, showcasing God's providence and the turning of events in favor of His people. It is a testament to the power of intercession and divine intervention.

in the citadel of Susa
The "citadel of Susa" was the administrative center of the Persian Empire, a place of significant political power. Susa, known as Shushan in Hebrew, was one of the empire's capitals and a hub of royal activity. The mention of the citadel underscores the official and authoritative nature of the decree. It also serves as a reminder of the historical and geographical context of the story, grounding the narrative in a real and influential setting.

(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 couriers
הָרָצִ֞ים (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


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OT History: Esther 8:14 So the couriers who rode on royal (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 8:13
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