הרצים...יצאו מבהלים ודחופים בדבר המלך
“The couriers .. .went out bewildered and pushed by the King’s order.” (Esther 8:14)
When the first letters were sent, the Megillah writes: הרצים יצאו דחופים - “The couriers went forth hurriedly [by order of the King]” (3:15). Why does it say here, “The couriers went: מבהלים ודחופים - “bewildered and hurriedly”?
The Manos HaLevi explains: Throughout history it has been common for the gentiles to persecute, oppress, and torture the Jews. Haman’s decree was nothing new, but merely history repeating itself. Thus, the couriers who usually are quick, went hurriedly. The second letters, however, in which Mordechai called on the Jews to declare war against their enemies, surprised them. Hence, though by nature they operate hurriedly, the King’s consent for the Jews revenge against the gentiles left the couriers: מבהלים - “bewildered.”
