8:10a

in the name of King Xerxes: See note on 3:12d. These letters had the same authority as Haman’s letters.

8:10b

sealed it with the royal signet ring: See note on 3:12e.

8:10c

mounted couriers: This means messengers who rode on horses.

8:10d

swift horses: The meaning of the word the Berean Standard Bible translates as “swift horses” is not certain. Most versions understand it to refer to horses which can run fast, and therefore the messengers could deliver messages throughout the kingdom as quickly as possible.

bred from the royal mares: This is another phrase which is difficult to understand in Hebrew. It probably refers to a group of horses which were specially bred not just for the king himself to ride, but also for officials to ride on state business.

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