Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, couriers were essential figures responsible for the swift and reliable transmission of messages across distances. Their role was crucial in a time when communication relied heavily on physical means, such as letters and verbal messages, rather than modern technology.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of couriers is notably present in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Persian Empire. The book of Esther provides a vivid depiction of the courier system. In
Esther 3:13, it is recorded: "Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar." This passage highlights the efficiency and reach of the Persian courier system, which was capable of disseminating decrees throughout the vast empire.
Later, in
Esther 8:10, after Esther and Mordecai's intervention, the king's edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves was also dispatched by couriers: "Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent the letters by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses, bred from the royal mares." This demonstrates the urgency and importance of the messages carried by couriers, as well as the trust placed in them to deliver critical communications.
Role and FunctionCouriers in biblical times were often chosen for their speed and reliability. They were typically mounted on horses or camels, allowing them to cover long distances quickly. The Persian Empire, in particular, was renowned for its sophisticated courier system, which included a network of stations where couriers could rest and exchange horses, ensuring that messages were delivered as swiftly as possible.
The role of couriers was not limited to the Persian Empire. Throughout the ancient Near East, various kingdoms and empires employed similar systems to maintain control and communication across their territories. The efficiency of these systems was vital for governance, military coordination, and the implementation of royal decrees.
Symbolic and Spiritual ImplicationsIn a broader spiritual sense, couriers can be seen as symbols of divine communication and the transmission of God's will. Just as earthly kings relied on couriers to convey their messages, God uses prophets, angels, and scripture to communicate with humanity. The reliability and speed of couriers in delivering messages can be likened to the faithfulness and urgency with which God's word is to be shared and received.
The role of couriers in the Bible underscores the importance of communication in maintaining order and executing justice. It also reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan through human history.
Strong's Hebrew
7323. ruts -- to run... root Definition to run NASB Word Usage carried them speedily (1), courier runs
(1), courier runs to another (1),
couriers (6), dash to and fro (1), guard (6
...Library
The Council of Tyre and First Exile of Athanasius, 335-337.
... i.29). This was too much for John Arcaph, who precipitately fled (so Socr., he seems
to have gone to Egypt with thecouriers mentioned below, cf. p.142)....
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9
... The organisation of the country and its division into satrapies: the satrap, the
military commander, the royal secretary;couriers, main roads, the Eyes and...
The Coming of the Pharaoh
... from his capital. They were the last of a series ofcouriers that had kept
the city informed of the king's advance. For days before...
Expatriation
... Shadows fell and lengthened; the afternoon passed, and still he slept. Mountedcouriers
riding at a dead gallop, passed over the road, toward Tanis....
The Pilgrims of Jesus.
... The Love that through all troubles. To Him alone will turn,". What are they, but
vaunt-couriers. To lead you to His Sight? What are they, save the effluence....
The Circumcision of Christ: a Hymn for New Year's Day. So Teach us...
... And yet to thee Time hastes away,. Like as the warhorse to the fray,. Or swift
ascouriers homeward go,. Or ship to port, or shaft from bow....
To the Rev. J. Jowett
... of the first four parts of the Testament, the Gospels; he having kindly promised
to cause them to be conveyed to London by one of thecouriers belonging to the...
On Psalm xxiii. Or xxiv. From the Commentary by the Same, on Ps....
... Therefore to these powers it is said by the angels, who are thecouriers of the
Saviour and Lord: "Lift up your gates, ye princes; and be lifted up, ye...
Relations with Nestorius and to Nestorianism.
... When thecouriers conveying these communications reached Antioch they found John
surrounded by Theodoret and other bishops who were assembled possibly for the...
Of the Events which Happened on Account of Chrysostom.
... the town. After these another party was sent and yet again others after
them and the Bosphorus was crowded with thecouriers. When...
Thesaurus
Couriers (16 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Couriers (16 Occurrences). 1 Kings 14:27 And king
Rehoboam made in their stead brazen shields, and committed
...Bodyguard (23 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:4 And in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains of the
hundreds, of the bodyguard and thecouriers, and brought them to him into...
Guard (185 Occurrences)
... 2:14). (2.) Hebrews rats, properly a "courier," one whose office was to run before
the king's chariot (2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5). Thecouriers were also...
Impelled (7 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Esther 3:15 Thecouriers went forth in haste by the king's commandment,
and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa....
Pelethites (7 Occurrences)
... The word probably means "runners" or "couriers," and may denote that while forming
part of David's bodyguard, they were also sometimes employed ascouriers (2...
Compel (10 Occurrences)
... The Aggaroi were publiccouriers stationed by appointment of the kings of Persia,
at fixed localities, with horses ready for use, to transmit speedily from one...
Citadel (20 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS NIV). Esther 3:15 Thecouriers went forth in haste by the king's
commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa....
Coursers (3 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Esther 8:10 And he wrote in the name of king Ahasuerus, and sealed it with
the king's ring, and sent letters bycouriers on horseback riding on coursers...
Susa (20 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Esther 3:15 Thecouriers went forth in haste by the king's
commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa....
Edict (22 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Esther 3:15 Thecouriers went forth in haste by the king's
commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa....
Resources
Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an acolyte? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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