Esther 3:15

15 The messengers hurried out as the king told them. The decree was also issued at the fortress of Susa. So the king and Haman sat down to drink a toast, but the city of Susa was in turmoil.

Esther 3:15 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 3:15

The post went out, being hastened by the king's command
Both to set out and make as much dispatch as possible:

and the decree was given in Shushan the palace;
by the king, and with the advice of his courtiers:

and the king and Haman sat down to drink;
at a banquet which perhaps Haman had prepared, in gratitude to the king for what he had granted him, both being highly delighted with what had been done:

but the city Shushan was perplexed;
the court was agreed, but the city was divided, as the former Targum says, with the joy of strange nations, and the weeping of the people of Israel, there being many Jews in the city; with whom no doubt there were many in connection, through affinity or friendship, or commerce, that were concerned for them; or, however, were shocked at such a barbarous scheme; and which they knew not where it would end, and how far they themselves might be involved in it, when once a mob had such a power granted to them.

Esther 3:15 In-Context

13 Messengers were sent with official documents to all the king's provinces. [The people were ordered] to wipe out, kill, and destroy all the Jews--young and old, women and children--on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. Their possessions were also to be seized.

14 A copy of the document was made public in a decree to every province. All the people were to be ready for this day.

15 The messengers hurried out as the king told them. The decree was also issued at the fortress of Susa. So the king and Haman sat down to drink a toast, but the city of Susa was in turmoil.