King James Version

What Does Esther 8:14 Mean?

Esther 8:14 in the King James Version says “So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the ...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Esther 8:14 · KJV

Context

12

Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

13

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. published: Heb. revealed

14

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.

15

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. blue: or, violet

16

The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

Read Esther 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The phrase "posts that rode upon mules and camels" (haratzim rokhevei harekesh ha'achashteranim, הָרָצִים רֹכְבֵי הָרֶכֶשׁ הָאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִים) describes the Persian imperial postal system using swift riding animals. The term achashteranim (אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִים) is a Persian loanword referring to royal post-horses or swift camels bred for speed. These weren't ordinary pack animals but specialized mounts for rapid communication across the empire's vast distances.

The verbs "hastened and pressed on" (bedohalim ve'dochuphim, בְּדֹהֲלִים וּדְחוּפִים) convey urgent speed and royal pressure. The dual emphasis suggests both the couriers' eagerness and the king's insistence on rapid delivery. The word dochuphim (דְּחוּפִים) means "urged on" or "pressed," indicating the king's command created urgency matching or exceeding the earlier dispatch of Haman's decree (3:15). Time mattered—every day's delay left Jewish communities vulnerable and uncertain.

The note that "the decree was given at Shushan the palace" (vehadat nit'nah b'Shushan habirah, וְהַדָּת נִתְּנָה בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה) parallels the earlier decree (3:15), creating symmetry between Haman's plot and its reversal. Both decrees originated from the same administrative center, both received royal seal, both went out with imperial authority. Yet their purposes opposed: one intended destruction, the other enabled deliverance. God's providence redirected Persian imperial power from instrument of genocide to means of salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Persian postal system (chapar khana) was one of the ancient world's most sophisticated communication networks. Herodotus described it admiringly, noting that "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor darkness of night" prevented Persian couriers from completing their appointed rounds—a description later adopted as the unofficial motto of modern postal services. The system used relay stations approximately 15-20 miles apart where fresh horses awaited, enabling messages to cross the empire in days rather than months.

Archaeological evidence confirms multiple types of riding animals in Persian royal service. While horses predominated for short distances, camels and mules served for desert regions and mountainous terrain. The use of specialized breeding for speed and endurance reflects Persian administrative sophistication. The Behistun Inscription describes how Darius used this postal system to coordinate responses to rebellions across the empire, demonstrating its military and administrative importance.

The phrase "hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment" reflects actual Persian practice. Royal decrees designated as urgent received priority routing with instructions to relay commanders to provide fresh mounts immediately and delay for nothing. This urgency differentiated critical imperial business from routine administrative correspondence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the urgency of spreading good news in Esther challenge Christian urgency (or lack thereof) in spreading the Gospel?
  2. What does God's use of existing infrastructure (Persian postal system) teach about His ability to work through available means rather than requiring miraculous intervention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הָֽרָצִ֞ים1 of 13

“So the posts”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

רֹֽכְבֵ֤י2 of 13

“that rode”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

הָרֶ֙כֶשׁ֙3 of 13

“upon mules”

H7409

a relay of animals on a post-route (as stored up for that purpose); by implication, a courser

הָֽאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים4 of 13

“and camels”

H327

a mule

יָ֥צְא֛וּ5 of 13

“went out”

H3318

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

מְבֹֽהָלִ֥ים6 of 13

“being hastened”

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

וּדְחוּפִ֖ים7 of 13

“and pressed on”

H1765

to urge, i.e., hasten

בִּדְבַ֣ר8 of 13

“commandment”

H1697

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

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ9 of 13

“by the king's”

H4428

a king

וְהַדָּ֥ת10 of 13

“And the decree”

H1881

a royal edict or statute

נִתְּנָ֖ה11 of 13

“was given”

H5414

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

בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן12 of 13

“at Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

הַבִּירָֽה׃13 of 13

“the palace”

H1002

a castle or palace

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 3:15Daniel 8:2Esther 2:3Ecclesiastes 9:10Esther 1:21 Samuel 21:8

Places in This Verse

SusaSettlement · Modern: Shush · 32.19°N, 48.26°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in Esther 8 →

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