ruts. The dispatch of letters with speed was of early date. Job said, "Now my days are swifter than a post." Job 9:25 . When Hezekiah proclaimed a Passover for all Israel he sent letters of invitation by 'runners' from city to city. 2 Chronicles 30:6,10 . The posts sent with the decree from Shushan the palace went on horses, mules, camels, and young dromedaries, "being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment." Esther 3:13,15; Esther 8:10,14 . In the prophecy of God's judgements on Babylon it is said that the news should be carried to the king by one post running to meet another. Jeremiah 51:31 . By dividing large districts into small departments with a post-house in each, in which 'runners' and animals were always kept ready, despatches could quickly be dispersed in various directions.