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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Esther 8:14 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/8-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/17_Est_08_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 8:14 - The Decree of Xerxes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/esther/8-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/esther/8-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/esther/">Esther</a> > <a href="/esther/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/esther/8-13.htm" title="Esther 8:13">◄</a> Esther 8:14 <a href="/esther/8-15.htm" title="Esther 8:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/esther/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king&#8217s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>So</i> the posts that rode upon mules <i>and</i> camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The couriers, hastened and impelled by the king&#8217s command, went out, riding on the royal steeds; and the decree was given out at the citadel in Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses at the king&#8217s urgent command. The law was also issued in the fortress of Susa. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So the swift posts went out carrying the messages, and the king's edict was hung up in Susan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 13:26>And so the swift couriers departed in haste, carrying through the announcement, and the king’s edict was hung up in Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So the horsemen went forth with haste to perform the king's commands; and the ordinance was also published in Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/8-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=1664" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">The Decree of Xerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>A 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. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: hā·rā·ṣîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">The couriers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7392.htm" title="7392: rō·ḵə·ḇê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To mount and ride, ride. A primitive root; to ride; causatively, to place upon, to despatch.">rode</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣə·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">out</a> <a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: mə·ḇō·hā·lîm (V-Pual-Prtcpl-mp) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">in haste</a> <a href="/hebrew/327.htm" title="327: hā·’ă·ḥaš·tə·rā·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Royal. Of Persian origin; a mule.">on their royal</a> <a href="/hebrew/7409.htm" title="7409: hā·re·ḵeš (Art:: N-ms) -- Steeds. From rakash; a relay of animals on a post-route; by implication, a courser.">horses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1765.htm" title="1765: ū·ḏə·ḥū·p̄îm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To drive, hasten. A primitive root; to urge, i.e. Hasten.">pressed on</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: biḏ·ḇar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">by the command</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the king.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1881.htm" title="1881: wə·had·dāṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- Decree, law. Of uncertain derivation: a royal edict or statute.">And the edict</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nit·tə·nāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3fs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">was also issued</a> <a href="/hebrew/1002.htm" title="1002: hab·bî·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A castle, palace. Of foreign origin; a castle or palace.">in the citadel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7800.htm" title="7800: bə·šū·šan (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Residence of Pers. kings. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia.">of Susa.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>Mordecai 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8-9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Esther 3:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/1-19.htm">Esther 1:19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-8.htm">Esther 4:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/9-20.htm">Esther 9:20</a></span><br />Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/9-30.htm">Esther 9:30</a></span><br />And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/30-6.htm">2 Chronicles 30:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm">Nehemiah 8:15</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-31.htm">Jeremiah 51:31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Matthew 24:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Romans 10:18</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-30.htm">Acts 15:30-31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-49.htm">Acts 13:49</a></span><br />And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a></span><br />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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">being hastened.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a></b></br> Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do <i>it</i> with thy might; for <i>there is</i> no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.</p><p class="hdg">Shushan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2</a></b></br> <i>That</i> in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which <i>was</i> in Shushan the palace,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Esther 2:3</a></b></br> 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 <i>them</i>:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></b></br> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/35-11.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Business</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Camels</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Command</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Couriers</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Edict</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/esther/6-14.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/esther/6-14.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Impelled</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ezra/9-6.htm">Mounted</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Mules</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Order</a> <a href="/esther/7-8.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Posts</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-3.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/micah/1-13.htm">Quick-Running</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">Rode</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Service</a> <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-11.htm">Spurred</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Steeds</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/esther/8-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-23.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Used</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-4.htm">Wasting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/16-18.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Business</a> <a href="/job/1-3.htm">Camels</a> <a href="/esther/9-6.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/esther/9-6.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/esther/9-6.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/9-32.htm">Command</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-27.htm">Couriers</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/9-13.htm">Edict</a> <a href="/job/7-1.htm">Forced</a> <a href="/job/20-2.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Impelled</a> <a href="/esther/9-14.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/psalms/18-10.htm">Mounted</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-20.htm">Mules</a> <a href="/esther/9-14.htm">Order</a> <a href="/esther/9-4.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Posts</a> <a href="/psalms/38-2.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-16.htm">Quick-Running</a> <a href="/psalms/18-10.htm">Rode</a> <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/job/7-1.htm">Service</a> <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-11.htm">Spurred</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-16.htm">Steeds</a> <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/job/9-26.htm">Swift</a> <a href="/esther/8-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-25.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/job/1-4.htm">Used</a> <a href="/job/5-21.htm">Wasting</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-1.htm">Mordecai is advanced.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Xerxes grants to the Jews to defend themselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Mordecai's honor, and the Jews' joy.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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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 (<a href="/acts/13-49.htm">Acts 13:49</a>).<p><b>on their royal horses</b><br>Royal horses signify the authority and resources of the Persian Empire. These horses were likely of the finest breed, symbolizing the power and prestige of the king's command. The use of royal horses underscores the official and authoritative nature of the decree. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a type of divine provision and authority, reminiscent of the white horse in <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11</a>, which represents Christ's victorious return.<p><b>pressed on by the command of the king</b><br>The king's command was the driving force behind the couriers' mission. This reflects the absolute authority of the Persian monarchs, whose decrees were irrevocable (<a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8</a>). The king's command here is a reversal of Haman's earlier edict, showcasing the providential hand of God in protecting His people. This mirrors the ultimate authority of Christ, who commands His followers to spread the Gospel (<a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18-20</a>).<p><b>And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa</b><br>Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, was a significant location for the administration of royal decrees. The citadel was the center of power and governance. Issuing the edict in Susa ensured that it would be disseminated throughout the empire. This highlights the central role of Susa in the narrative of Esther and the historical context of the Persian Empire. The citadel's prominence is akin to Jerusalem's role in biblical history as a center of spiritual and political significance (<a href="/psalms/48.htm">Psalm 48:1-2</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/couriers.htm">Couriers</a></b><br>These 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/royal_horses.htm">Royal Horses</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king's_command.htm">King's Command</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/citadel_of_susa.htm">Citadel of Susa</a></b><br>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.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/decree.htm">Decree</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_timing.htm">God's Sovereignty and Timing</a></b><br>God'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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_intercession.htm">The Power of Intercession</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_reversals.htm">Divine Reversals</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_don't_records_mention_esther_8's_policy.htm">Why do external historical records not mention the sudden nationwide reversal of policy described in Esther 8 across 127 provinces?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_rapid_communication_in_esther_8_10_plausible.htm">How plausible is the rapid communication in Esther 8:10, given ancient travel and logistics constraints across such a vast empire?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_persian_proof_of_mordecai's_rank.htm">Esther 10:3 - Is there any external evidence or Persian documentation supporting Mordecai's high position in the empire?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_plot_of_esther.htm">What is the main plot of the Book of Esther?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Mules and camels.</span>--See above on <a href="/esther/8-10.htm" title="And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:">Esther 8:10</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Being hastened.</span>--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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The posts that rode upon mules and camels</span>. Rather, "that rode on coursers of the stud royal" (see the comment on ver. 10). The verse repeats <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a>, 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 (<a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Esther 8:15-17</a>). 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: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/8-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The couriers</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָצִ֞ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rode</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹכְבֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ḵə·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7392.htm">Strong's 7392: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ride, to place upon, to despatch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָֽצְא֛וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in haste</span><br /><span class="heb">מְבֹהָלִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḇō·hā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on their royal</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ă·ḥaš·tə·rā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_327.htm">Strong's 327: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mule</span><br /><br /><span class="word">horses,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֶ֙כֶשׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·re·ḵeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7409.htm">Strong's 7409: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relay of animals on a, post-route, a courser</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pressed on</span><br /><span class="heb">וּדְחוּפִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḏə·ḥū·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1765.htm">Strong's 1765: </a> </span><span class="str2">To drive, hasten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the command</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּדְבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(biḏ·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the king.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And the edict</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַדָּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·had·dāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1881.htm">Strong's 1881: </a> </span><span class="str2">A royal edict, statute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was also issued</span><br /><span class="heb">נִתְּנָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(nit·tə·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the citadel</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבִּירָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bî·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1002.htm">Strong's 1002: </a> </span><span class="str2">A castle, palace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Susa.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šū·šan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7800.htm">Strong's 7800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Susa -- residence of person kings</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/8-14.htm">OT History: Esther 8:14 So the couriers who rode on royal (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/8-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 8:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 8:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/8-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 8:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 8:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>