The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
The messengers rushed out with the king's command, and the decree was announced in the royal city of Susa. While the king and Haman sat down to drink, the people of Susa were deeply troubled and confused.
The writer is showing the stark contrast between the king and Haman celebrating their deadly decree while the innocent people of the city are filled with fear and confusion.
📚 Historical Context
This verse follows Haman's successful manipulation of King Xerxes into signing a decree to destroy all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. The decree was sealed with the king's ring, making it irrevocable under Persian law. Susa (Shushan) was the winter capital of the Persian Empire, where many Jews lived in exile since the Babylonian captivity.
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