Esther 3:12
Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
Esther 3:12 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see the meticulous process by which a royal decree is issued by King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther. The king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month to record the decree as commanded by Haman, the villain in the story. The decree was then sent out to the king's lieutenants, governors, and rulers of every province in the empire, as well as to the different people in their own languages. This shows the extent of the reach and power of the king's command, ensuring that every corner of the empire receives and understands the decree. The seal of the king's ring on the decree signifies its official and irrevocable nature, binding all subjects of the empire to its authority. This verse highlights the centralized system of governance in the Persian Empire, where the king's word was law and his commands were to be followed without question.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Esther, we see the meticulous organization and execution of a royal decree. The mention of the king's scribes reflects the importance of written documentation in ancient kingdoms. The scribes were responsible for transcribing Haman's commands to the king's officials and governors, ensuring that the message was delivered accurately and efficiently. The use of the king's ring to seal the document symbolizes the authority and power of King Ahasuerus. Furthermore, the mention of writing to people in their own language emphasizes the reach and influence of the king's decree. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of written communication in the administration of earthly kingdoms, serving as a reminder of the order and structure that God established for governing His people. It also demonstrates the intricate planning and execution involved in carrying out God's will, as seen in the unfolding events of the book of Esther.
Esther 3:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then were the king's scribes called in the first month, on the thirteenth day thereof; and there was written according to all that Haman commanded unto the king's satraps, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the princes of every people, to every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and it was sealed with the king's ring. [
World English Bible
Then the king’s scribes were called in on the first month, on the thirteenth day of the month; and all that Haman commanded was written to the king’s satraps, and to the governors who were over every province, and to the princes of every people, to every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus, and it was sealed with the king’s ring.
Douay-Rheims
And the king's scribes were called in the first month Nisan, on the thirteenth day of the same mouth: and they wrote, as Aman had commanded, to all the king's lieutenants, and to the judges of the provinces, and of divers nations, as every nation could read, and hear according to their different languages, in the name of king Assuerus: and the letters, sealed with his ring,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then were the Kings scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first moneth, and there was written (according to all that Haman commanded) vnto the Kings officers, and to the captaines that were ouer euery prouince, and to the rulers of euery people, and to euery prouince, according to the writing thereof, and to euery people according to their language: in the name of King Ahashuerosh was it written, and sealed with the Kings ring.