Then were the kings scribes called in the first month, on the thirteenth day thereof; and there was written according to all that Haman commanded unto the kings 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 kings ring.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes how the king's scribes wrote and sent out orders according to Haman's commands. The orders were sent to all parts of the kingdom and in the languages of each region. The king's seal was used to make the orders official.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where the teacher writes a note, and then everyone in your class gets a copy of that note in their own language. In this story, the king's helpers wrote a big, important note, and they sent it to everyone in his kingdom, just like your teacher might send a note to all your parents.
Historical Background
The book of Esther was written during the Persian period, likely around the 5th century BC, to recount events that led to the Jewish holiday of Purim. This verse describes a critical moment where the king's orders, influenced by Haman, were sent out across the kingdom, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can remind us about the power of communication and the impact of our words. Just as the king's orders could affect many lives, our decisions and communications can have significant consequences for others around us.