Post

(1.) A runner, or courier, for the rapid transmission of letters, etc. (2 Chr. 30:6; Esther 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 Kings 10:25, “guard,” marg. “runners”). The modern system of postal communication was first established by Louis XI. of France in A.D. 1464.

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

1. Probably, as Gesenius argues, the door-case of a door, including the lintel and side posts. The posts of the doors of the temple were of olive wood. (1 Kings 6:33)

2. A courier or carrier of messages, used among other places in (Job 9:25)

post (ruts, "to run," ratsim, "runners"): The "runners" formed the royal guard (1Sa 22:17; 1Ki 14:27; 2Ki 11:4,13; see GUARD). From them were chosen the couriers who carried royal letters and dispatches throughout the kingdom (2Ch 30:6,10; Es 3:13,15; Jer 51:31). In the Persian service they were mounted on the swiftest horses (Es 8:10,14; 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 Mt 5:41; Mr 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.

See also HOUSE, II, 1, (4), (7).

M. O. Evans