King James Version

What Does Esther 3:15 Mean?

Esther 3:15 in the King James Version says “The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the ki...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Esther 3:15 · KJV

Context

13

And 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 upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

14

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The messengers departed swiftly, spreading the genocidal decree. The final sentence captures moral contrast: "the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed." While the architects of genocide celebrated with wine, the city was "perplexed" (navochah, נָבוֹכָה)—confused, troubled, distressed. Even the pagan population recognized something deeply wrong. The casual celebration by perpetrators while innocent people faced destruction demonstrates moral callousness. Yet this very indifference would contribute to their downfall—they didn't anticipate the consequences of their decree. God's providence uses even the arrogance and complacency of the wicked to prepare their judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase "sat down to drink" parallels 1:10 where the king's drunkenness led to poor judgment with Vashti. Here again, wine accompanies moral blindness. The city's perplexity may reflect: (1) horror at the injustice; (2) fear of civil unrest; (3) concern about economic disruption from losing the Jewish community; (4) simple confusion about why this decree was necessary. Shushan had substantial Jewish population, including palace officials like Mordecai. The city's distress suggests the Jews were generally well-regarded, making the decree surprising and troubling to neighbors. This detail demonstrates that evil often disturbs even those not directly threatened, and that genocidal policies rarely enjoy universal popular support even in authoritarian regimes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between celebratory perpetrators and perplexed citizens illustrate the moral gap between those who cause suffering and those who witness it?
  2. What does the city's perplexity teach about how even pagan populations often recognize injustice when confronted with it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הָֽרָצִ֞ים1 of 16

“The posts”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

יָֽצְא֤וּ2 of 16

“went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

דְחוּפִים֙3 of 16

“being hastened”

H1765

to urge, i.e., hasten

בִּדְבַ֣ר4 of 16

“commandment”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְהַמֶּ֤לֶךְ5 of 16

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְהַדָּ֥ת6 of 16

“and the decree”

H1881

a royal edict or statute

נִתְּנָ֖ה7 of 16

“was given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שׁוּשָׁ֖ן8 of 16

“Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

הַבִּירָ֑ה9 of 16

“the palace”

H1002

a castle or palace

וְהַמֶּ֤לֶךְ10 of 16

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְהָמָן֙11 of 16

“and Haman”

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

יָֽשְׁב֣וּ12 of 16

“sat down”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לִשְׁתּ֔וֹת13 of 16

“to drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְהָעִ֥יר14 of 16

“but the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

שׁוּשָׁ֖ן15 of 16

“Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

נָבֽוֹכָה׃16 of 16

“was perplexed”

H943

to involve (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Esther 3:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Esther 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 8:15John 16:20Proverbs 1:16Hosea 7:5Revelation 11:10Esther 4:16

Places in This Verse

SusaSettlement · Modern: Shush · 32.19°N, 48.26°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in Esther 3 →

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