Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered. New Living Translation At the king’s command, the decree went out by swift messengers, and it was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa fell into confusion. English Standard Version The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion. Berean Standard Bible The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. Berean Literal Bible The runners went forth, hurrying by the word of the king, and the law was given in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, and the city of Susa was in confusion. King James Bible The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. New King James Version The couriers went out, hastened by the king’s command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed. New American Standard Bible The couriers went out, speeded by the king’s order while the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa; and while the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was agitated. NASB 1995 The couriers went out impelled by the king’s command while the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa; and while the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in confusion. NASB 1977 The couriers went out impelled by the king’s command while the decree was issued in Susa the capital; and while the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in confusion. Legacy Standard Bible The couriers went out, hastened by the word of the king. And the law was given at the citadel in Susa. Now the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. Amplified Bible The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa. And while the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was perplexed [by the unusual and alarming decree]. Berean Annotated Bible The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa (lily). Then the king and Haman (magnificent) sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. Christian Standard Bible The couriers left, spurred on by royal command, and the law was issued in the fortress of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa was in confusion. Holman Christian Standard Bible The couriers left, spurred on by royal command, and the law was issued in the fortress of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa was in confusion. American Standard Version The posts went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed. English Revised Version The posts went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace: and the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. Good News Translation At the king's command the decree was made public in the capital city of Susa, and runners carried the news to the provinces. The king and Haman sat down and had a drink while the city of Susa was being thrown into confusion. International Standard Version The couriers went out, urged on by the king's command, and the edict was issued in Susa the capital. The king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa was thrown into confusion. NET Bible The messengers scurried forth with the king's order. The edict was issued in Susa the citadel. While the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in an uproar! New Heart English Bible The couriers went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Shushan. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed. Webster's Bible Translation The posts departed, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. World English Bible The couriers went out in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was perplexed. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe runners have gone forth, hurried by the word of the king, and the law has been given in Shushan the palace, and the king and Haman have sat down to drink, and the city Shushan is perplexed. Berean Literal Bible The runners went forth, hurrying by the word of the king, and the law was given in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, and the city of Susa was in confusion. Young's Literal Translation The runners have gone forth, hastened by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace, and the king and Haman have sat down to drink, and the city Shushan is perplexed. Smith's Literal Translation And they running went forth, being impelled by the word of the king, and the edict was given in Shushan the fortress. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; and the city Shushan was disquieted. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe couriers that were sent made haste to fulfil the king's commandment. And immediately the edict was hung up in Susan, the king and Aman feasting together, and all the Jews that were in the city weeping. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible The couriers set out in haste at the king’s command; meanwhile, the decree was promulgated in the royal precinct of Susa. The king and Haman then sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion. New Revised Standard Version The couriers went quickly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe couriers went out, being hastened by the king's command, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was in an uproar. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Runners went out quickly by the commandment of the King, and the word had been commanded in Shushan the Palace, and the King and Haman reclined to drink together, and the city of Shushan was in an uproar. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The posts went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in Shushan the castle; and the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the business was hastened, and that at Susa: and the king and Aman began to drink; but the city was troubled. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Haman Plots Against the Jews…14A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. 15The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. Cross References The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, Esther 8:14 The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa. Esther 8:10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. 2 Chronicles 30:6 At the command of the king, the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria. and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Esther 1:19 So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. Nehemiah 1:1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Daniel 8:2 And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, Esther 7:1 So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, Esther 5:6 And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he ordered the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas— but the city of Susa was in confusion. Acts 19:32 Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing and some another, and most of them did not even know why they were there. Acts 21:31 While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Acts 17:8 On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. Daniel 6:14-15 As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him. / Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.” Nehemiah 1:3 And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. Isaiah 59:7-8 Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. / The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace. Treasury of Scripture The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. hastened. Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Proverbs 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. sat down. Hosea 7:5 In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners. Amos 6:6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. the city. Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Esther 8:15 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. Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Jump to Previous Capital Citadel City Command Commandment Confusion Consternation Couriers Decree Departed Drink Edict Forth Haman Haste Hastened Impelled Issued King's Order Palace Perplexed Posts Public Quickly Runners Sat Shushan Statement Susa Together Wine WordJump to Next Capital Citadel City Command Commandment Confusion Consternation Couriers Decree Departed Drink Edict Forth Haman Haste Hastened Impelled Issued King's Order Palace Perplexed Posts Public Quickly Runners Sat Shushan Statement Susa Together Wine WordEsther 3 1. Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.7. He casts lots. 8. He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death. The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command The use of couriers highlights the Persian Empire's efficient communication system, which was crucial for maintaining control over vast territories. This system is reminiscent of the "pony express" and underscores the urgency and authority of the king's decree. The king's command reflects the absolute power of Persian monarchs, who were often seen as divine or semi-divine figures. This mirrors the authority of God’s word, which is also sent out with purpose and power (Isaiah 55:11). and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa Then the king and Haman sat down to drink but the city of Susa was in confusion Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who reigned over a vast empire and issued the edict against the Jews, influenced by Haman. 2. Haman The antagonist in the Book of Esther, who plotted to destroy the Jews due to his hatred for Mordecai. 3. Mordecai A Jew living in Susa, cousin and guardian of Esther, who refused to bow to Haman, inciting Haman's wrath. 4. Esther The Jewish queen of Persia, who would later play a crucial role in saving her people. 5. Susa (Shushan) The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. Teaching Points The Power of InfluenceHaman's influence over King Ahasuerus shows how one person's malice can affect an entire nation. We must be cautious about whom we allow to influence our decisions. The Consequences of Pride Haman's pride and desire for revenge led to a decree that caused widespread confusion and fear. Pride can lead to destructive decisions that affect many. God's Sovereignty Amidst Chaos Even when the city of Susa was in confusion, God was still in control, preparing a way for deliverance. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. The Importance of Righteous Leadership The confusion in Susa underscores the need for leaders who seek justice and righteousness. Pray for leaders who will govern with wisdom and integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 3:15?2. How does Esther 3:15 reveal the urgency of Haman's decree against Jews? 3. What can we learn from the king and Haman's indifference in Esther 3:15? 4. How does Esther 3:15 connect to God's sovereignty over evil plans in Scripture? 5. How should Christians respond when faced with unjust decrees, like in Esther 3:15? 6. What does the public's confusion in Esther 3:15 teach about following ungodly leadership? 7. Why did the king and Haman sit down to drink after issuing the decree in Esther 3:15? 8. How does Esther 3:15 reflect the theme of divine providence in the Bible? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 3:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 3? 11. What does 'For Such a Time as This' mean? 12. What did Esther mean by 'If I perish, I perish'? 13. Esther 9:13-15: Why would an additional day of killing be sanctioned, and does this align with other biblical teachings on mercy and restraint? 14. How historically reliable is the vast domain of King Ahasuerus described in Esther 1:1, from India to Ethiopia? What Does Esther 3:15 Mean The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command• In the Persian Empire, royal messengers were renowned for speed, and here they rush out immediately, showing the irrevocable nature of the decree (compare Daniel 6:8-9; Esther 8:10). • The haste underlines the seriousness of Haman’s plot—no time is allowed for debate or appeal. • The text reminds us that earthly power can spread evil quickly, yet God remains sovereign (Proverbs 21:1). and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa • “Citadel” points to the fortified palace complex where official law was proclaimed (see Esther 1:2; Nehemiah 1:1). • Public posting in the capital made the law unquestionable, binding every province (Esther 3:12; Esther 8:14). • God’s people are now under a sentence of death, setting the stage for divine deliverance—much like Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-14). Then the king and Haman sat down to drink • Their casual feast contrasts sharply with the deadly weight of their decision (Esther 1:10; 5:6). • It pictures callous indifference: they celebrate while lives hang in the balance, echoing Amos 6:6—“They drink wine from bowls… but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.” • Scripture often warns against rulers dulled by drink when justice is required (Proverbs 31:4-5). but the city of Susa was in confusion • Ordinary citizens sense the horror of genocide; confusion, shock, and perhaps fear ripple through the streets (Esther 4:3). • Like the riot at Ephesus where “the assembly was in confusion” (Acts 19:32), sin sows chaos among the masses. • God uses this unrest to highlight the moral divide between palace intrigue and public conscience, preparing hearts for Esther’s intercession. summary Esther 3:15 paints a vivid scene: swift royal messengers speed an evil decree across the empire; the law is sealed in the very heart of Persian power; the architects of genocide toast their success; and the capital reels in bewilderment. The verse exposes human tyranny, contrasts it with public unrest, and sets the dramatic tension for God’s providential reversal that follows. (15) Perplexed.--The inhabitants of the capital were puzzled and alarmed, as well they might be, at so marvellously reckless an order. Their sympathies, too, were clearly with the Jews and against Haman. (See Esther 8:15.)Verse 15. - The posts went out, being hastened. Though there was ample time, since the remotest part of the empire could be reached in a month, or two at the most, yet the posts were "hastened," Haman being impatient, lest the king should change his mind, and decline to publish the edict. The king may himself also have wished to have the matter settled past recall. The king sat down with Haman to drink. This touch seems intended to mark their hardness of heart. As Nero "fiddled while Rome was burning," so these two, having assigned a nation to destruction, proceeded to enjoy themselves at "a banquet of wine." But the city of Susa was perplexed. The Jews had enemies in Susa (Esther 9:12-15); but the bulk of the inhabitants being Persians, and so Zoroastrians, would be likely to sympathise with them. There might also be a widespread feeling among persons of other nationalities that the precedent now set was a dangerous one. Generally the people of the capital approved and applauded what. ever the great king did. Now they misdoubted the justice, and perhaps even the prudence, of what was resolved upon. The decree threw them into perplexity. |
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