Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary

Adam Clarke Commentary

The decree was given at Shushan - The contrary effect which it was to produce considered, this decree was in every respect like the former. See Esther 3:8-15.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Being hastened - Between Sivan, the third month (June), when the posts went out, and Adar, the twelfth month (March), when the struggle was to take place, the interval would be one of more than 8 months; but all haste was made, with the object of their being no misunderstanding.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out,.... Or on the mules, which in the Persian language were called "ahashteranim"; See Gill on Esther 8:10,

being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment; who gave them a special order to make what haste they could, that the Jews might have time to prepare for their defence, and their enemies be the more intimidated:

and the decree was given at Shushan the palace; the king's counsellors agreeing to it, and perhaps signing it, as they did the former; see Esther 3:15.

John Trapp Complete Commentary

Esther 8:14 [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.

Ver. 14. So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out] Thus God provided that his poor afflicted should be speedily comforted, and assured that their prayers were accepted; when this good news came flying toward them, as on the wings of the wind, over the mountains of Bether, all lets and impediments. Thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words, saith the angel to Daniel, Daniel 10:12; yea, as these posts were hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment, so was the angel Gabriel caused to fly swiftly, Daniel 9:21, or as the Hebrew hath it, with weariness of flight, to bring the prophet an answer to his prayers. Who would not then pray to such a God as maketh his angels spirits, his ministers a flame of fire, to convey seasonable relief to his poor suppliants?

being hastened] Heb. Frighted and head-longed, by a solicitous celerity, hasting and hurrying for life, as we say; being driven on to a despatch with utmost expedition, they threw themselves onward their way, as the second word here used importeth.

And the decree was given at Shushan the palace] So had the former decree against the Jews been, Esther 3:15; the post also hastened, as now. There is no doubt but many disaffected persons would jeer at this last decree, as extorted from the king by the queen’s importunity; and would persuade themselves and others that the king was of the same mind as before, to have the Jews rooted out; only to give his wife content he had set forth this counter edict, which they would not take notice of. Thus those that are ripe for ruin harden their own hearts, and hasten their own destruction.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

By the king’s commandment; by his particular. and express command to that purpose.

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

14.That rode upon mules and camels — Rather, riders of the swift coursers, the royal steeds. See note on Esther 8:10.

Being hastened — Though there were eight months yet before the month of Adar, it was important that this counter decree should be published throughout the empire as speedily as possible. Thus the enemies would be duly admonished not to attempt any assault, and the Jews would have time to prepare themselves for self-defence.

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

hastened. Hebrew. bahal. See note on Esther 6:10.

commandment = word. Hebrew. dabar. See note on Esther 1:12.

decree. See note on Esther 2:8.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) Mules and camels.—See above on Esther 8:10.

Being hastened.—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.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

being hastened

1 Samuel 21:8; Ecclesiastes 9:10

Shushan

1:2; 2:3; 3:15; Nehemiah 1:1; Daniel 8:2