Dutch 1939 (De Heilige Schrift, Petrus Canisiusvertaling, 1939)
Nog diezelfde dag, de drie en twintigste van Siwan, de derde maand, werden de koninklijke geheimschrijvers ontboden, en dezen schreven al wat Mordokai gelastte, aan de Joden, aan de stadhouders, de landvoogden en de vorsten der provincies van Hoddoe tot Koesj, tezamen honderd zeven en twintig provincies, en wel aan iedere provincie in haar eigen schrift, en aan ieder volk in zijn eigen taal, ook aan de Joden in hun eigen schrift en hun eigen taal.
Wat betekent dit?
This verse from Esther 8:9 describes how the king's scribes wrote orders for Mordecai to send to Jews and other people across the kingdom. The orders were written in the languages and scripts of the different provinces, ensuring everyone could understand them. It highlights the importance of clear communication and unity.
Uitgelegd voor kinderen
Imagine you have a big birthday party and you need to invite all your friends. But some of your friends speak different languages. So, you ask your parents to write the invitations in different languages so everyone can read them. This is similar to what happened here. Mordecai made sure everyone, no matter where they were from, could understand the message.
Historische achtergrond
The Book of Esther is traditionally attributed to the authorship of Mordecai or Esther herself, and it was written during the Persian period, roughly in the 5th century BCE. The audience was likely the Jewish community living under Persian rule. This verse reflects the administrative practices of the Persian Empire and the importance of communication across diverse cultures and languages.
Toepassing voor vandaag
Today, this verse can remind us of the importance of making our messages clear and accessible to all. Whether it's at work, in school, or in community groups, ensuring that everyone understands what you're saying can prevent confusion and strengthen relationships.
What was the purpose of writing the orders in different languages and scripts?
The purpose was to ensure that all recipients could understand the message, reflecting the need for clear and accessible communication across diverse groups.
How does this verse show the administration of the Persian Empire?
It shows the efficiency and scope of the Persian administrative system, capable of communicating across a vast empire with diverse languages and cultures.
Why is Mordecai involved in giving commands to the scribes?
Mordecai was a key figure in the Jewish community and had been elevated to a position of authority by the king. His involvement underscores his role in protecting the Jewish people.
What can we learn about leadership from this verse?
Leadership involves considering the needs of all stakeholders and ensuring that communication is clear and accessible to everyone, which helps in building a cohesive community.