This verse repeats elements of 3.12b-13a. It includes several expressions that have been used previously, together with several Persian technical terms. The literary effect is to emphasize the legitimacy of what is taking place and the rapidity with which it is carried out.
The verse is in two parts, the first focusing on The writing and the second on the letters. In the case of the first, it may be possible to restate and say “they wrote,” while the second can be “what was written” or “the [written] messages.” Moffatt‘s translation states explicitly that “Mordecai wrote,” but it is more likely that Mordecai “had the letters written” by secretaries (see verse 9 above).
On in the name of see comments on 2.22.
Sealed with the king’s ring: see the comments on 3.10.
Swift horses that were used in the king’s service, bred from the royal stud: the exact meaning of the Hebrew in this phrase is unclear, especially the word translated as stud in Revised Standard Version. The word translated as royal in Revised Standard Version is a word borrowed from the Persian language. The meaning seems to be “fast horses especially bred for the king” (New International Version). A possible translation may be “horses that run fast that were bred [or, born] in the king’s concession [or, compound].” Compare also New Century Version: “The messengers rode fast horses, which were raised just for the king.” Today’s English Version also provides a good model here. The King James Version rendering of the last part of this verse, “and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries,” is widely rejected by contemporary scholarship.
Septuagint 8.10
The edict refers to what the king commanded to be written in the preceding verse. Literally “it was written through [the authority/command] of the king.” The couriers were “letter-bearers” (see comment on LXX 3.13). The final part of the verse in Hebrew is omitted in the Greek.
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Noss, Philip A. A Handbook on the Book of Esther — Deuterocanon: The Greek Text. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .