Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
Esther 8:9 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Esther describes the process by which King Ahasuerus's scribes were called to write and distribute letters throughout the vast Persian Empire. The specificity of the timing - the third month, Sivan, on the twenty-third day - highlights the careful planning and execution of the king's orders. The letters were written according to all that Mordecai, a trusted advisor to the king, commanded unto the Jews and various officials in the region. These letters were sent to the lieutenants, deputies, and rulers of the empire, spanning from India to Ethiopia, a total of one hundred twenty-seven provinces. The attention to detail is emphasized further by the mention that each province received the message in its own language, ensuring clear communication with every people group. This verse showcases the efficient and organized administration of the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus and the importance of clear instruction and communication in governance.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Esther, we see the king's scribes being summoned to write down a decree that Mordecai had commanded concerning the Jews in the 127 provinces under the reign of King Xerxes. The fact that the scribes were called in the third month, known as the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day, is significant as it shows that precise timing was important in carrying out the decree. This verse highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the administration of the Persian Empire, where every province and people group were addressed according to their language and customs. The mention of provinces from India to Ethiopia emphasizes the vast extent of King Xerxes' rule, and the decree's wide reach to all corners of the kingdom. The word study of 'scribes' in this context could reveal insights into the importance of recording history and legal matters in ancient societies. Overall, this verse demonstrates the strategic planning and thorough execution of decrees in the Persian Empire during that time period.
Esther 8:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then were the king's scribes called at that time, in the third month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the satraps, and the governors and princes of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, a hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
World English Bible
Then the king’s scribes were called at that time, in the third month Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the satraps, and the governors and princes of the provinces which are from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, and to the Jews in their writing, and in their language.
Douay-Rheims
Then the king's scribes and secretaries were called for (now it was the time of the third month which is called Siban) the three and twentieth day of the month, and letters were written, as Mardochai had a mind, to the Jews, and to the governors, and to the deputies, and to the judges, who were rulers over the hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India even to Ethiopia: to province and province, to people and people, according to their languages and characters, and to the Jews, according as they could read and hear.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then were the Kings Scribes called at the same time, euen in the thirde moneth, that is the moneth Siuan, on the three and twentieth day thereof: and it was written, according to all as Mordecai commanded, vnto the Iewes and to the princes, and captaines, and rulers of the prouinces, which were from India euen vnto Ethiopia, an hundreth and seuen and twentie prouinces, vnto euery prouince, according to the writing thereof, and to euery people after their speache, and to the Iewes, according to their writing, and according to their language.