Topical Encyclopedia The "Post of Ahasuerus" refers to the system of communication and delivery established during the reign of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, who ruled over the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. This system is notably mentioned in the Book of Esther, which provides a glimpse into the administrative and logistical capabilities of the Persian Empire during this period.Biblical Context The Book of Esther, set in the Persian Empire, provides the primary biblical reference to the postal system under King Ahasuerus. In Esther 3:13, it is recorded: "And the letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s 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." . This verse highlights the use of couriers to disseminate royal decrees across the vast empire, which stretched from India to Cush (modern-day Ethiopia). Later, in Esther 8:10, after Queen Esther and Mordecai successfully intervened, a new decree was issued: "Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent it by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses, bred from the royal mares." . This passage underscores the efficiency and speed of the Persian postal system, which utilized swift horses to ensure rapid communication. Historical and Cultural Background The Persian Empire, under Ahasuerus, was known for its advanced administrative systems, which included an extensive network of roads and a well-organized postal service. This system, often referred to as the "Angarium," was crucial for maintaining control over the vast territories of the empire. The couriers, or "angari," were stationed at intervals along the Royal Road, which stretched over 1,600 miles from Susa to Sardis. These couriers were tasked with relaying messages and decrees from the king to the provincial governors and satraps. The efficiency of this system is noted by the Greek historian Herodotus, who famously remarked on the speed and reliability of the Persian couriers: "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." This description highlights the dedication and resilience of the Persian postal service, which was unparalleled in the ancient world. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the "Post of Ahasuerus" serves as a backdrop for the unfolding of divine providence in the Book of Esther. The swift communication system allowed for the rapid dissemination of both the edict of destruction and the subsequent decree of deliverance for the Jewish people. This underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to work through human institutions to accomplish His purposes. The use of the postal system in the narrative of Esther also illustrates the interplay between human agency and divine intervention. While the couriers carried out the king's orders, it was ultimately God's hand that guided the events to ensure the preservation of His people. This serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which God orchestrates history, using even the most mundane aspects of human governance to fulfill His divine plan. Nave's Topical Index Esther 3:13,15And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. Nave's Topical Index Esther 8:10,14 Library Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Walking with God The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Resources How should a Christian respond to chain letters? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian deal with feelings of guilt regarding past sins, whether pre- or post-salvation? | GotQuestions.org Who were the early church fathers? | GotQuestions.org Post: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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