Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative records royal couriers executing the king’s order to distribute the edict throughout the citadel of Susa. This moment follows the decree's finalization and precedes the appointed day of destruction.
The words — The Hebrew דְחוּפִים (de.chu.Fim) literally means "being hasty" or "spurred on," describing the couriers' urgent pace. The phrase וְ/הַ/דָּ֥ת נִתְּנָה (ve./ha./Dat ni.te.Nah) translates to "and the law was given," marking the formal promulgation of the decree.
The thread — The rapid execution of royal authority appears in Esther 8:15, where Mordecai exits the king in royal garments, and contrasts with the mandated fast in Esther 4:16. The juxtaposition of earthly feasting against impending judgment mirrors the grief-to-reversal pattern noted in John 16:20.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that human decrees operate with terrifying speed and absolute administrative force. It requires the reader to acknowledge the stark contrast between the perpetrators' celebration and the city's confusion without offering immediate relief or moral comfort.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Esther 8:15 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.
- John 16:20 Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
- Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”
- Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.
- Proverbs 4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.
- Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
- Hosea 7:5 The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him.
- Amos 6:6 You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.
- Revelation 11:10 And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them and celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them.