In biblical times, couriers played a crucial role in communication, particularly in the context of delivering messages across vast distances. The term "courier" refers to a messenger tasked with the responsibility of conveying information, often of significant importance, from one location to another. This role is evident in various passages throughout the Bible, where the swift and reliable transmission of messages was essential for governance, military strategy, and religious observance.

Old Testament Context

The use of couriers is notably mentioned in the context of the Persian Empire, which had an advanced system of communication. In the book of Esther, the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) utilized couriers to disseminate decrees throughout his vast empire. Esther 8:10 states, "And Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the king’s signet ring. He sent the letters by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses, bred from the royal mares." This passage highlights the importance of speed and efficiency in the courier system, as the messages were carried by riders on swift horses.

Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 30:6 , King Hezekiah of Judah sent couriers throughout Israel and Judah to invite the people to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration: "So the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: 'Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to you, the remnant who have escaped the hand of the kings of Assyria.'" This demonstrates the use of couriers in religious contexts, emphasizing their role in uniting the people for worship and repentance.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention couriers in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of messengers is present. The apostles and early Christians often relied on individuals to carry letters and messages between churches. For example, in Romans 16:1-2 , Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, who is believed to have delivered the epistle to the Romans: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her with anything she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me."

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The role of couriers in the Bible can also be seen as symbolic of the divine message being delivered to humanity. Prophets, apostles, and evangelists served as couriers of God's word, tasked with spreading His message of salvation and truth. In this sense, the courier is not merely a bearer of human messages but a participant in the divine mission to communicate God's will to His people.

The efficiency and reliability of couriers in biblical times underscore the importance of communication in fulfilling God's purposes. Whether through the swift horses of the Persian Empire or the dedicated service of early Christian messengers, the role of the courier is a testament to the enduring need for faithful transmission of vital messages across time and space.1. (n.) A messenger sent with haste to convey letters or dispatches, usually on public business.

2. (n.) An attendant on travelers, whose business it is to make arrangements for their convenience at hotels and on the way.

29. aggareuo -- to impress, compel
... Hagar. Of foreign origin (compare 'iggra'); properly, to be a courier, ie (by
implication) to press into public service -- compel (to go). see HEBREW 'iggra'. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/29.htm - 6k7323. ruts -- to run
... root Definition to run NASB Word Usage carried them speedily (1), courier runs
(1), courier runs to another (1), couriers (6), dash to and fro (1), guard (6 ...
/hebrew/7323.htm - 6k

6432. Pelethi -- some of David's soldiers
... Pelethites. From the same form as Peleth; a courier (collectively) or official
messenger -- Pelethites. see HEBREW Peleth. 6431, 6432. Pelethi. 6433 . ...
/hebrew/6432.htm - 6k

104. iggerah -- a letter
... letter. (Aramaic) of Persian origin; an epistle (as carried by a state courier or
postman) -- letter. 103, 104. iggerah. 105 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/104.htm - 6k

326. Achashtari -- "belonging to the realm," an Israelite
... Haakashtari. Probably of Persian derivation; an achastarite (ie Courier); the
designation (rather than name) of an Israelite -- Haakashtari (includ. ...
/hebrew/326.htm - 6k

Of Palladius the Courier.
... Book VII. Chapter XIX."Of Palladius the Courier. How the Emperor Theodosius
received intelligence of what was done in an incredibly ...
/.../chapter xix of palladius the courier.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram.
... The courier and myself came all the way without the slightest accident, my usual
wonderful good fortune accompanying us. I may well call it wonderful. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 59.htm

Narrative Concerning the Prince of the Edessenes.
... to cure, when he heard of the name of Jesus, and of his miracles, which were attested
by all with one accord sent a message to him by a courier and begged him ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiii narrative concerning the prince.htm

The Messenger
... "Thou art Ranas, courier to Snofru, priest of On. ... My trusted courier is dead; the
others are light-minded, and Tape is in the height of festivity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iii the messenger.htm

The Punishment of Atsu
... After a moment's intent contemplation of Atsu's face the courier went on:
"Nay, so had I thought. The messenger came to Snofru with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter viii the punishment of.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... was from Seville, in which I gave you an account of my proceedings in that place,
at the same time stating that I was about to repair to Madrid with the courier ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 55.htm

Under the Ban of Theodosius and of the Latrocinium.
... To the prisoner of Cyrus courier after courier would bring intelligence of the riots
and tricks of the council. At last came news of the crowning wrong. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/iv under the ban of theodosius.htm

In the Desert
... "Rachel!" she panted. "The serving-men"thou art pursued!" The fat courier, purple
of countenance and breathing hard, appeared in the opening. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... But the lover's courage was now sorely tried. Every mounted courier hastening to
Rome on the south road bore a letter from the young man to her he loved. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

The Story of Histiaeus.
... He accordingly dispatched a courier with the orders. The courier crossed the Hellespont,
and proceeded to the encampment of Megabyzus in Thrace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter x the story of.htm

Courier (2 Occurrences)
... the way. Multi-Version Concordance Courier (2 Occurrences). Esther 8:10
He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with ...
/c/courier.htm - 7k

Couriers (16 Occurrences)

/c/couriers.htm - 12k

Announce (56 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:31 Courier runneth to meet courier, and messenger to meet messenger,
to announce to the king of Babylon that his city is taken from end to end ...
/a/announce.htm - 22k

News (453 Occurrences)
... 2. (n) Something strange or newly happened. 3. (n) A bearer of news; a courier;
a newspaper. Multi-Version Concordance News (453 Occurrences). ...
/n/news.htm - 34k

Guard (185 Occurrences)
... 2:14). (2.) Hebrews rats, properly a "courier," one whose office was to run before
the king's chariot (2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5). The couriers were also ...
/g/guard.htm - 55k

Riding (30 Occurrences)
... Esther 8:10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's
ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that ...
/r/riding.htm - 16k

Express (13 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast
conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe ...
/e/express.htm - 12k

Especially (23 Occurrences)
... Esther 8:10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's
ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that ...
/e/especially.htm - 13k

Dispatches (2 Occurrences)
... Esther 8:10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's
ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that ...
/d/dispatches.htm - 7k

Mounted (32 Occurrences)
... Esther 8:10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king's
ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that ...
/m/mounted.htm - 15k

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