GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:69urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:69Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus , ( this is Ahasuerus which reigned , from India even unto Ethiopia , over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces : ) That in those days , when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom , which was in Shushan the palace , In the third year of his reign , he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants ; the power of Persia and Media , the nobles and princes of the provinces , being before him : When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days , even an hundred and fourscore days . And when these days were expired , the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace , both unto great and small , seven days , in the court of the garden of the king's palace ; Where were white , green , and blue , hangings , fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble : the beds were of gold and silver , upon a pavement of red , and blue , and white , and black , marble . And they gave them drink in vessels of gold , ( the vessels being diverse one from another , ) and royal wine in abundance , according to the state of the king . And the drinking was according to the law ; none did compel : for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house , that they should do according to every man's pleasure . Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus . On the seventh day , when the heart of the king was merry with wine , he commanded Mehuman , Biztha , Harbona , Bigtha , and Abagtha , Zethar , and Carcas , the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king , To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal , to shew the people and the princes her beauty : for she was fair to look on . But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains : therefore was the king very wroth , and his anger burned in him . Then the king said to the wise men , which knew the times , ( for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment : And the next unto him was Carshena , Shethar , Admatha , Tarshish , Meres , Marsena , and Memucan , the seven princes of Persia and Media , which saw the king's face , and which sat the first in the kingdom ; ) What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law , because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains ? And Memucan answered before the king and the princes , Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only , but also to all the princes , and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus . For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women , so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes , when it shall be reported , The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him , but she came not . Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes , which have heard of the deed of the queen . Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath . If it please the king , let there go a royal commandment from him , and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes , that it be not altered , That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus ; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she . And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire , ( for it is great , ) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour , both to great and small . And the saying pleased the king and the princes ; and the king did according to the word of Memucan : For he sent letters into all the king's provinces , into every province according to the writing thereof , and to every people after their language , that every man should bear rule in his own house , and that it should be published according to the language of every people . After these things , when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased , he remembered Vashti , and what she had done , and what was decreed against her . Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him , Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king : And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom , that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace , to the house of the women unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain , keeper of the women ; and let their things for purification be given them : And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti . And the thing pleased the king ; and he did so . Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew , whose name was Mordecai , the son of Jair , the son of Shimei , the son of Kish , a Benjamite ; Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah , whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away . And he brought up Hadassah , that is , Esther , his uncle's daughter : for she had neither father nor mother , and the maid was fair and beautiful ; whom Mordecai , when her father and mother were dead , took for his own daughter . So it came to pass , when the king's commandment and his decree was heard , and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace , to the custody of Hegai , that Esther was brought also unto the king's house , to the custody of Hegai , keeper of the women . And the maiden pleased him , and she obtained kindness of him ; and he speedily gave her her things for purification , with such things as belonged to her , and seven maidens , which were meet to be given her , out of the king's house : and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women . Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred : for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it . And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house , to know how Esther did , and what should become of her . Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus , after that she had been twelve months , according to the manner of the women , ( for so were the days of their purifications accomplished , to wit , six months with oil of myrrh , and six months with sweet odours , and with other things for the purifying of the women ; ) Then thus came every maiden unto the king ; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house . In the evening she went , and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women , to the custody of Shaashgaz , the king's chamberlain , which kept the concubines : she came in unto the king no more , except the king delighted in her , and that she were called by name . Now when the turn of Esther , the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai , who had taken her for his daughter , was come to go in unto the king , she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain , the keeper of the women , appointed . And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her . So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month , which is the month Tebeth , in the seventh year of his reign . And the king loved Esther above all the women , and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins ; so that he set the royal crown upon her head , and made her queen instead of Vashti . Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants , even Esther's feast ; and he made a release to the provinces , and gave gifts , according to the state of the king . And when the virgins were gathered together the second time , then Mordecai sat in the king's gate . Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people ; as Mordecai had charged her : for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai , like as when she was brought up with him . In those days , while Mordecai sat in the king's gate , two of the king's chamberlains , Bigthan and Teresh , of those which kept the door , were wroth , and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus . And the thing was known to Mordecai , who told it unto Esther the queen ; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name . And when inquisition was made of the matter , it was found out ; therefore they were both hanged on a tree : and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king . After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite , and advanced him , and set his seat above all the princes that were with him . And all the king's servants , that were in the king's gate , bowed , and reverenced Haman : for the king had so commanded concerning him . But Mordecai bowed not , nor did him reverence . Then the king's servants , which were in the king's gate , said unto Mordecai , Why transgressest thou the king's commandment ? Now it came to pass , when they spake daily unto him , and he hearkened not unto them , that they told Haman , to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand : for he had told them that he was a Jew . And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not , nor did him reverence , then was Haman full of wrath . And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone ; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai : wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus , even the people of Mordecai . In the first month , that is , the month Nisan , in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus , they cast Pur , that is , the lot , before Haman from day to day , and from month to month , to the twelfth month , that is , the month Adar . And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus , There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom ; and their laws are diverse from all people ; neither keep they the king's laws : therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them . If it please the king , let it be written that they may be destroyed : and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business , to bring it into the king's treasuries . And the king took his ring from his hand , and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite , the Jews' enemy . And the king said unto Haman , The silver is given to thee , the people also , to do with them as it seemeth good to thee . Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month , and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants , and to the governors that were over every province , and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof , and to every people after their language ; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written , and sealed with the king's ring . And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces , to destroy , to kill , and to cause to perish , all Jews , both young and old , little children and women , in one day , even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month , which is the month Adar , and to take the spoil of them for a prey . The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people , that they should be ready against that day . 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 . When Mordecai perceived all that was done , Mordecai rent his clothes , and put on sackcloth with ashes , and went out into the midst of the city , and cried with a loud and a bitter cry ; And came even before the king's gate : for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth . And in every province , whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came , there was great mourning among the Jews , and fasting , and weeping , and wailing ; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes . So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her . Then was the queen exceedingly grieved ; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai , and to take away his sackcloth from him : but he received it not . Then called Esther for Hatach , one of the king's chamberlains , whom he had appointed to attend upon her , and gave him a commandment to Mordecai , to know what it was , and why it was . So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city , which was before the king's gate . And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him , and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews , to destroy them . Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them , to shew it unto Esther , and to declare it unto her , and to charge her that she should go in unto the king , to make supplication unto him , and to make request before him for her people . And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai . Again Esther spake unto Hatach , and gave him commandment unto Mordecai ; All the king's servants , and the people of the king's provinces , do know , that whosoever , whether man or woman , shall come unto the king into the inner court , who is not called , there is one law of his to put him to death , except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre , that he may live : but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days . And they told to Mordecai Esther's words . Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther , Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house , more than all the Jews . For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time , then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place ; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed : and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this ? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer , Go , gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan , and fast ye for me , and neither eat nor drink three days , night or day : I also and my maidens will fast likewise ; and so will I go in unto the king , which is not according to the law : and if I perish , I perish . So Mordecai went his way , and did according to all that Esther had commanded him . Then said the king unto her , What wilt thou , queen Esther ? and what is thy request ? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom . And Esther answered , If it seem good unto the king , let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him . Then the king said , Cause Haman to make haste , that he may do as Esther hath said . So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared . And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine , What is thy petition ? and it shall be granted thee : and what is thy request ? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed . Then answered Esther , and said , My petition and my request is ; If I have found favour in the sight of the king , and if it please the king to grant my petition , and to perform my request , let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them , and I will do tomorrow as the king hath said . Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart : but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate , that he stood not up , nor moved for him , he was full of indignation against Mordecai . Nevertheless Haman refrained himself : and when he came home , he sent and called for his friends , and Zeresh his wife . And Haman told them of the glory of his riches , and the multitude of his children , and all the things wherein the king had promoted him , and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king . Haman said moreover , Yea , Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself ; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king . Yet all this availeth me nothing , so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate . Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him , Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high , and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon : then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet . And the thing pleased Haman ; and he caused the gallows to be made . On that night could not the king sleep , and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles ; and they were read before the king . And it was found written , that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh , two of the king's chamberlains , the keepers of the door , who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus . And the king said , What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this ? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him , There is nothing done for him . And the king said , Who is in the court ? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house , to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him . And the king's servants said unto him , Behold , Haman standeth in the court . And the king said , Let him come in . So Haman came in . And the king said unto him , What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour ? Now Haman thought in his heart , To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself ? And Haman answered the king , For the man whom the king delighteth to honour , Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear , and the horse that the king rideth upon , and the crown royal which is set upon his head : And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes , that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour , and bring him on horseback through the street of the city , and proclaim before him , Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour . Then the king said to Haman , Make haste , and take the apparel and the horse , as thou hast said , and do even so to Mordecai the Jew , that sitteth at the king's gate : let nothing fail of all that thou has spoken . Then took Haman the apparel and the horse , and arrayed Mordecai , and brought him on horseback through the street of the city , and proclaimed before him , Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour . And Mordecai came again to the king's gate . But Haman hasted to his house mourning , and having his head covered . And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him . Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him , If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews , before whom thou hast begun to fall , thou shalt not prevail against him , but shalt surely fall before him . And while they were yet talking with him , came the king's chamberlains , and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared . So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen . And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine , What is thy petition , queen Esther ? and it shall be granted thee : and what is thy request ? and it shall be performed , even to the half of the kingdom . Then Esther the queen answered and said , If I have found favour in thy sight , O king , and if it please the king , let my life be given me at my petition , and my people at my request : For we are sold , I and my people , to be destroyed , to be slain , and to perish . But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen , I had held my tongue , although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage . Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen , Who is he , and where is he , that durst presume in his heart to do so ? And Esther said , The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman . Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen . And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden : and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen ; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king . Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine ; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was . Then said the king , Will he force the queen also before me in the house ? As the word went out of the king's mouth , they covered Haman's face . And Harbonah , one of the chamberlains , said before the king , Behold also , the gallows fifty cubits high , which Haman had made for Mordecai , who had spoken good for the king , standeth in the house of Haman . Then the king said , Hang him thereon . So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai . Then was the king's wrath pacified . On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen . And Mordecai came before the king ; for Esther had told what he was unto her . And the king took off his ring , which he had taken from Haman , and gave it unto Mordecai . And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman . And Esther spake yet again before the king , and fell down at his feet , and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite , and his device that he had devised against the Jews . Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther . So Esther arose , and stood before the king , And said , If it please the king , and if I have found favour in his sight , and the thing seem right before the king , and I be pleasing in his eyes , let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite , which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces : For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people ? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred ? Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew , Behold , I have given Esther the house of Haman , and him they have hanged upon the gallows , because he laid his hand upon the Jews . Write ye also for the Jews , as it liketh you , in the king's name , and seal it with the king's ring : for the writing which is written in the king's name , and sealed with the king's ring , may no man reverse . Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month , that is , the month Sivan , on the three and twentieth day thereof ; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews , and to the lieutenants , and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia , an hundred twenty and seven provinces , unto every province according to the writing thereof , and unto every people after their language , and to the Jews according to their writing , and according to their language . And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name , and sealed it with the king's ring , and sent letters by posts on horseback , and riders on mules , camels , and young dromedaries : Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together , and to stand for their life , to destroy , to slay , and to cause to perish , all the power of the people and province that would assault them , both little ones and women , and to take the spoil of them for a prey , Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus , namely , upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month , which is the month Adar . The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people , and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies . So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out , being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment . And the decree was given at Shushan the palace . And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white , and with a great crown of gold , and with a garment of fine linen and purple : and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad . The Jews had light , and gladness , and joy , and honour . And in every province , and in every city , whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came , the Jews had joy and gladness , a feast and a good day . And many of the people of the land became Jews ; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them . Now in the twelfth month , that is , the month Adar , on the thirteenth day of the same , when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution , in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them , ( though it was turned to the contrary , that the Jews had rule over them that hated them ; ) The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus , to lay hand on such as sought their hurt : and no man could withstand them ; for the fear of them fell upon all people . And all the rulers of the provinces , and the lieutenants , and the deputies , and officers of the king , helped the Jews ; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them . For Mordecai was great in the king's house , and his fame went out throughout all the provinces : for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater . Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword , and slaughter , and destruction , and did what they would unto those that hated them . And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men . And Parshandatha , and Dalphon , and Aspatha , And Poratha , and Adalia , and Aridatha , And Parmashta , and Arisai , and Aridai , and Vajezatha , The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha , the enemy of the Jews , slew they ; but on the spoil laid they not their hand . On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king . And the king said unto Esther the queen , The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace , and the ten sons of Haman ; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces ? now what is thy petition ? and it shall be granted thee : or what is thy request further ? and it shall be done . Then said Esther , If it please the king , let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day's decree , and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows . And the king commanded it so to be done : and the decree was given at Shushan ; and they hanged Haman's ten sons . For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar , and slew three hundred men at Shushan ; but on the prey they laid not their hand . But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together , and stood for their lives , and had rest from their enemies , and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand , but they laid not their hands on the prey , On the thirteenth day of the month Adar ; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they , and made it a day of feasting and gladness . But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof ; and on the fourteenth thereof ; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested , and made it a day of feasting and gladness . Therefore the Jews of the villages , that dwelt in the unwalled towns , made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting , and a good day , and of sending portions one to another . And Mordecai wrote these things , and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus , both nigh and far , To stablish this among them , that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar , and the fifteenth day of the same , yearly , As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies , and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy , and from mourning into a good day : that they should make them days of feasting and joy , and of sending portions one to another , and gifts to the poor . And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun , and as Mordecai had written unto them ; Because Haman the son of Hammedatha , the Agagite , the enemy of all the Jews , had devised against the Jews to destroy them , and had cast Pur , that is , the lot , to consume them , and to destroy them ; But when Esther came before the king , he commanded by letters that his wicked device , which he devised against the Jews , should return upon his own head , and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows . Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur . Therefore for all the words of this letter , and of that which they had seen concerning this matter , and which had come unto them , The Jews ordained , and took upon them , and upon their seed , and upon all such as joined themselves unto them , so as it should not fail , that they would keep these two days according to their writing , and according to their appointed time every year ; And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation , every family , every province , and every city ; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews , nor the memorial of them perish from their seed . Then Esther the queen , the daughter of Abihail , and Mordecai the Jew , wrote with all authority , to confirm this second letter of Purim . And he sent the letters unto all the Jews , to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus , with words of peace and truth , To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed , according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them , and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed , the matters of the fastings and their cry . And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim ; and it was written in the book . And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land , and upon the isles of the sea . And all the acts of his power and of his might , and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai , whereunto the king advanced him , are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia ? For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus , and great among the Jews , and accepted of the multitude of his brethren , seeking the wealth of his people , and speaking peace to all his seed . Then Mardocheus said , God hath done these things . For I remember a dream which I saw concerning these matters , and nothing thereof hath failed . A little fountain became a river , and there was light , and the sun , and much water : this river is Esther , whom the king married , and made queen : And the two dragons are I and Aman . And the nations were those that were assembled to destroy the name of the Jews : And my nation is this Israel , which cried to God , and were saved : for the Lord hath saved his people , and the Lord hath delivered us from all those evils , and God hath wrought signs and great wonders , which have not been done among the Gentiles . Therefore hath he made two lots , one for the people of God , and another for all the Gentiles . And these two lots came at the hour , and time , and day of judgment , before God among all nations . So God remembered his people , and justified his inheritance . Therefore those days shall be unto them in the month Adar , the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the same month , with an assembly , and joy , and with gladness before God , according to the generations for ever among his people . In the fourth year of the reign of Ptolemeus and Cleopatra , Dositheus , who said he was a priest and Levite , and Ptolemeus his son , brought this epistle of Phurim , which they said was the same , and that Lysimachus the son of Ptolemeus , that was in Jerusalem , had interpreted it . . In the second year of the reign of Artexerxes the great , in the first day of the month Nisan , Mardocheus the son of Jairus , the son of Semei , the son of Cisai , of the tribe of Benjamin , had a dream ; Who was a Jew , and dwelt in the city of Susa , a great man , being a servitor in the king's court . He was also one of the captives , which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon carried from Jerusalem with Jechonias king of Judea ; and this was his dream : Behold a noise of a tumult , with thunder , and earthquakes , and uproar in the land : And , behold , two great dragons came forth ready to fight , and their cry was great . And at their cry all nations were prepared to battle , that they might fight against the righteous people . And lo a day of darkness and obscurity , tribulation and anguish , affliction and great uproar , upon earth . And the whole righteous nation was troubled , fearing their own evils , and were ready to perish . Then they cried unto God , and upon their cry , as it were from a little fountain , was made a great flood , even much water . The light and the sun rose up , and the lowly were exalted , and devoured the glorious . Now when Mardocheus , who had seen this dream , and what God had determined to do , was awake , he bare this dream in mind , and until night by all means was desirous to know it . And Mardocheus took his rest in the court with Gabatha and Tharra , the two eunuchs of the king , and keepers of the palace . And he heard their devices , and searched out their purposes , and learned that they were about to lay hands upon Artexerxes the king ; and so he certified the king of them . Then the king examined the two eunuchs , and after that they had confessed it , they were strangled . And the king made a record of these things , and Mardocheus also wrote thereof . So the king commanded , Mardocheus to serve in the court , and for this he rewarded him . Howbeit Aman the son of Amadathus the Agagite , who was in great honour with the king , sought to molest Mardocheus and his people because of the two eunuchs of the king . The copy of the letters was this : The great king Artexerxes writeth these things to the princes and governours that are under him from India unto Ethiopia in an hundred and seven and twenty provinces . After that I became lord over many nations and had dominion over the whole world , not lifted up with presumption of my authority , but carrying myself always with equity and mildness , I purposed to settle my subjects continually in a quiet life , and making my kingdom peaceable , and open for passage to the utmost coasts , to renew peace , which is desired of all men . Now when I asked my counsellors how this might be brought to pass , Aman , that excelled in wisdom among us , and was approved for his constant good will and steadfast fidelity , and had the honour of the second place in the kingdom , Declared unto us , that in all nations throughout the world there was scattered a certain malicious people , that had laws contrary to ail nations , and continually despised the commandments of kings , so as the uniting of our kingdoms , honourably intended by us cannot go forward . Seeing then we understand that this people alone is continually in opposition unto all men , differing in the strange manner of their laws , and evil affected to our state , working all the mischief they can that our kingdom may not be firmly established : Therefore have we commanded , that all they that are signified in writing unto you by Aman , who is ordained over the affairs , and is next unto us , shall all , with their wives and children , be utterly destroyed by the sword of their enemies , without all mercy and pity , the fourteenth day of the twelfth month Adar of this present year : That they , who of old and now also are malicious , may in one day with violence go into the grave , and so ever hereafter cause our affairs to be well settled , and without trouble . Then Mardocheus thought upon all the works of the Lord , and made his prayer unto him , Saying , O Lord , Lord , the King Almighty : for the whole world is in thy power , and if thou hast appointed to save Israel , there is no man that can gainsay thee : For thou hast made heaven and earth , and all the wondrous things under the heaven . Thou art Lord of all things , and and there is no man that can resist thee , which art the Lord . Thou knowest all things , and thou knowest , Lord , that it was neither in contempt nor pride , nor for any desire of glory , that I did not bow down to proud Aman . For I could have been content with good will for the salvation of Israel to kiss the soles of his feet . But I did this , that I might not prefer the glory of man above the glory of God : neither will I worship any but thee , O God , neither will I do it in pride . And now , O Lord God and King , spare thy people : for their eyes are upon us to bring us to nought ; yea , they desire to destroy the inheritance , that hath been thine from the beginning . Despise not the portion , which thou hast delivered out of Egypt for thine own self . Hear my prayer , and be merciful unto thine inheritance : turn our sorrow into joy , that we may live , O Lord , and praise thy name : and destroy not the mouths of them that praise thee , O Lord . All Israel in like manner cried most earnestly unto the Lord , because their death was before their eyes . Queen Esther also , being in fear of death , resorted unto the Lord : And laid away her glorious apparel , and put on the garments of anguish and mourning : and instead of precious ointments , she covered her head with ashes and dung , and she humbled her body greatly , and all the places of her joy she filled with her torn hair . And she prayed unto the Lord God of Israel , saying , O my Lord , thou only art our King : help me , desolate woman , which have no helper but thee : For my danger is in mine hand . From my youth up I have heard in the tribe of my family that thou , O Lord , tookest Israel from among all people , and our fathers from all their predecessors , for a perpetual inheritance , and thou hast performed whatsoever thou didst promise them . And now we have sinned before thee : therefore hast thou given us into the hands of our enemies , Because we worshipped their gods : O Lord , thou art righteous . Nevertheless it satisfieth them not , that we are in bitter captivity : but they have stricken hands with their idols , That they will abolish the thing that thou with thy mouth hast ordained , and destroy thine inheritance , and stop the mouth of them that praise thee , and quench the glory of thy house , and of thine altar , And open the mouths of the heathen to set forth the praises of the idols , and to magnify a fleshly king for ever . O Lord , give not thy sceptre unto them that be nothing , and let them not laugh at our fall ; but turn their device upon themselves , and make him an example , that hath begun this against us . Remember , O Lord , make thyself known in time of our affliction , and give me boldness , O King of the nations , and Lord of all power . Give me eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion : turn his heart to hate him that fighteth against us , that there may be an end of him , and of all that are likeminded to him : But deliver us with thine hand , and help me that am desolate , and which have no other help but thee . Thou knowest all things , O Lord ; thou knowest that I hate the glory of the unrighteous , and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised , and of all the heathen . Thou knowest my necessity : for I abhor the sign of my high estate , which is upon mine head in the days wherein I shew myself , and that I abhor it as a menstruous rag , and that I wear it not when I am private by myself . And that thine handmaid hath not eaten at Aman's table , and that I have not greatly esteemed the king's feast , nor drunk the wine of the drink offerings . Neither had thine handmaid any joy since the day that I was brought hither to this present , but in thee , O Lord God of Abraham . O thou mighty God above all , hear the voice of the forlorn and deliver us out of the hands of the mischievous , and deliver me out of my fear . And upon the third day , when she had ended her prayers , she laid away her mourning garments , and put on her glorious apparel . And being gloriously adorned , after she had called upon God , who is the beholder and saviour of all things , she took two maids with her : And upon the one she leaned , as carrying herself daintily ; And the other followed , bearing up her train . And she was ruddy through the perfection of her beauty , and her countenance was cheerful and very amiable : but her heart was in anguish for fear . Then having passed through all the doors , she stood before the king , who sat upon his royal throne , and was clothed with all his robes of majesty , all glittering with gold and precious stones ; and he was very dreadful . Then lifting up his countenance that shone with majesty , he looked very fiercely upon her : and the queen fell down , and was pale , and fainted , and bowed herself upon the head of the maid that went before her . Then God changed the spirit of the king into mildness , who in a fear leaped from his throne , and took her in his arms , till she came to herself again , and comforted her with loving words and said unto her , Esther , what is the matter ? I am thy brother , be of good cheer : Thou shalt not die , though our our commandment be general : come near . And so be held up his golden sceptre , and laid it upon her neck , And embraced her , and said , Speak unto me . Then said she unto him , I saw thee , my lord , as an angel of God , and my heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty . For wonderful art thou , lord , and thy countenance is full of grace . And as she was speaking , she fell down for faintness . Then the king was troubled , and all his servants comforted her . The great king Artexerxes unto the princes and governors of an hundred and seven and twenty provinces from India unto Ethiopia , and unto all our faithful subjects , greeting . Many , the more often they are honoured with the great bounty of their gracious princes , the more proud they are waxen , And endeavour to hurt not our subjects only , but not being able to bear abundance , do take in hand to practise also against those that do them good : And take not only thankfulness away from among men , but also lifted up with the glorious words of lewd persons , that were never good , they think to escape the justice of God , that seeth all things and hateth evil . Oftentimes also fair speech of those , that are put in trust to manage their friends' affairs , hath caused many that are in authority to be partakers of innocent blood , and hath enwrapped them in remediless calamities : Beguiling with the falsehood and deceit of their lewd disposition the innocency and goodness of princes . Now ye may see this , as we have declared , not so much by ancient histories , as ye may , if ye search what hath been wickedly done of late through the pestilent behaviour of them that are unworthily placed in authority . And we must take care for the time to come , that our kingdom may be quiet and peaceable for all men , Both by changing our purposes , and always judging things that are evident with more equal proceeding . For Aman , a Macedonian , the son of Amadatha , being indeed a stranger from the Persian blood , and far distant from our goodness , and as a stranger received of us , Had so far forth obtained the favour that we shew toward every nation , as that he was called our father , and was continually honoured of all the next person unto the king . But he , not bearing his great dignity , went about to deprive us of our kingdom and life : Having by manifold and cunning deceits sought of us the destruction , as well of Mardocheus , who saved our life , and continually procured our good , as also of blameless Esther , partaker of our kingdom , with their whole nation . For by these means he thought , finding us destitute of friends to have translated the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians . But we find that the Jews , whom this wicked wretch hath delivered to utter destruction , are no evildoers , but live by most just laws : And that they be children of the most high and most mighty , living God , who hath ordered the kingdom both unto us and to our progenitors in the most excellent manner . Wherefore ye shall do well not to put in execution the letters sent unto you by Aman the son of Amadatha . For he that was the worker of these things , is hanged at the gates of Susa with all his family : God , who ruleth all things , speedily rendering vengeance to him according to his deserts . Therefore ye shall publish the copy of this letter in all places , that the Jews may freely live after their own laws . And ye shall aid them , that even the same day , being the thirteenth day of the twelfth month Adar , they may be avenged on them , who in the time of their affliction shall set upon them . For Almighty God hath turned to joy unto them the day , wherein the chosen people should have perished . Ye shall therefore among your solemn feasts keep it an high day with all feasting : That both now and hereafter there may be safety to us and the well affected Persians ; but to those which do conspire against us a memorial of destruction . Therefore every city and country whatsoever , which shall not do according to these things , shall be destroyed without mercy with fire and sword , and shall be made not only unpassable for men , but also most hateful to wild beasts and fowls for ever .