Post

Easton's Bible Dictionary

A runner, or courier, for the rapid transmission of letters, etc. (2 Chr 30:6; Esth 3:13, 15; 8:10, 14; Job 9:25; Jer 51:31). Such messengers were used from very early times. Those employed by the Hebrew kings had a military character (1 Sam 22:17; 2 Kgs 10:25, “guard,” marg. “runners”). The modern system of postal communication was first established by Louis XI. of France in A.D. 1464.

This word sometimes also is used for lintel or threshold (Isa 6:4).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

post (ruts, "to run," ratsim, "runners"): The "runners" formed the royal guard (1 Sam 22:17; 1 Kgs 14:27; 2 Kgs 11:4; 2 Kgs 11:13; see GUARD). From them were chosen the couriers who carried royal letters and dispatches throughout the kingdom (2 Chr 30:6; 2 Chr 30:10; Esth 3:13; Esth 3:15; Jer 51:31). In the Persian service they were mounted on the swiftest horses (Esth 8:10; Esth 8:14; compare Xenophon, Cyrop. viii.6,17; Herodotus viii.98). They had the right to command the service of either men or animals in order to expedite their progress (compare Matt 5:41; Mark 15:21, "compel," "impress").

Used in Job 9:25 and the King James Version The Wisdom of Solomon 5:9 (aggelia, the Revised Version (British and American) "message") of the swift passage of time.