Esther 3:15

15 The couriers went out quickly by order of the king, and the law was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; and the city of Susa was bewildered.

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 Letters [were] sent by couriers to all the provinces of the king to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, {both young and old}, women and children, on one day, the thirteenth day of the month, that [is] Adar, and to plunder their goods.

14 A copy of the edict [was] presented [as] law in every province making [it] known to all the people to be ready for that day.

15 The couriers went out quickly by order of the king, and the law was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; and the city of Susa was bewildered.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "disturbed"