CHAPTER 1
<<THE BOOK OF ĔS‑́T͞HĔR>> Now it came to pass in the days of Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, (this [is] Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs which reigned, from Ĭn‑́dĭ‑ă even unto Ē‑thĭ‑ō‑́pĭ‑ă, [over] an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
2 [That] in those days, when the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs sat on the throne of his kingdom, which [was] in Shû‑́shăn the palace,
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Pĕr‑́s̅i̅ă and Mē‑́dĭ‑ă, the nobles and princes of the provinces, [being] before him:
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, [even] an hundred and fourscore days.
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shû‑́shăn the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 [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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 Also Văsh‑́tī the queen made a feast for the women [in] the royal house which [belonged] to king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs.
10 ¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mĕ‑hū‑́măn, Bĭz‑́thă, Här‑bō‑́nă, Bĭg‑́thă, and Ă‑băg‑́thă, Zē‑́thär, and Cär‑́căs, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs the king,
11 To bring Văsh‑́tī 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.
12 But the queen Văsh‑́tī refused to come at the king’s commandment by [his] chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
13 ¶ 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:
14 And the next unto him [was] Cär‑shē‑́nă, Shē‑́thär, Ăd‑mā‑́thă, Tär‑́shĭsh, Mē‑́rĕṡ, Mär‑sē‑́nă, [and] Mĕ‑mū‑́căn, the seven princes of Pĕr‑́s̅i̅ă and Mē‑́dĭ‑ă, which saw the king’s face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)
15 What shall we do unto the queen Văsh‑́tī according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs by the chamberlains?
16 And Mĕ‑mū‑́căn answered before the king and the princes, Văsh‑́tī 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 Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs.
17 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 Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs commanded Văsh‑́tī the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18 [Likewise] shall the ladies of Pĕr‑́s̅i̅ă and Mē‑́dĭ‑ă 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.
19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Pĕr‑́s̅i̅ăns and the Mēdeṡ, that it be not altered, That Văsh‑́tī come no more before king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
20 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.
21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Mĕ‑mū‑́căn:
22 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.
CHAPTER 2
After these things, when the wrath of king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs was appeased, he remembered Văsh‑́tī, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shû‑́shăn the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hē‑́gē the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:
4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Văsh‑́tī. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
5 ¶ [Now] in Shû‑́shăn the palace there was a certain Je̅w̅, whose name [was] Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, the son of Jā‑́ĭr, the son of Shĭm‑́ĕ‑ī, the son of Kĭsh, a Bĕn‑́jă‑mīte;
6 Who had been carried away from Jĕ‑rû‑́să‑lĕm with the captivity which had been carried away with Jĕc‑ō‑nī‑́ăh king of Jûd‑́ăh, whom Nĕb‑ū‑c͟hăd‑nĕz‑́zär the king of Băb‑́y̆‑lo̱n had carried away.
7 And he brought up Hă‑dăs‑́săh, that [is], Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid [was] fair and beautiful; whom Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
8 ¶ So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shû‑́shăn the palace, to the custody of Hē‑́ga᷍i, that Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hē‑́ga᷍i, keeper of the women.
9 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.
10 Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī had charged her that she should not shew [it].
11 And Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr did, and what should become of her.
12 ¶ Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, 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;)
13 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.
14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shā‑ăsh‑́găz, 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.
15 ¶ Now when the turn of Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr, the daughter of Ăb‑́ĭ‑ha͟il the uncle of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hē‑́ga᷍i the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
16 So Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr was taken unto king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs into his house royal in the tenth month, which [is] the month Tē‑́bĕth, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 And the king loved Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr 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 Văsh‑́tī.
18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, [even] Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī sat in the king’s gate.
20 Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr had not [yet] shewed her kindred nor her people; as Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī had charged her: for Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr did the commandment of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, like as when she was brought up with him.
21 ¶ In those days, while Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bĭg‑́thăn and Tē‑́rĕsh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs.
22 And the thing was known to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, who told [it] unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen; and Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr certified the king [thereof] in Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī’s name.
23 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.
CHAPTER 3
After these things did king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs promote Hā‑́măn the son of Hăm‑mĕ‑dā‑́thă the Ăg‑́ă‑gīte, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that [were] with him.
2 And all the king’s servants, that [were] in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Hā‑́măn: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī bowed not, nor did [him] reverence.
3 Then the king’s servants, which [were] in the king’s gate, said unto Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Hā‑́măn, to see whether Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he [was] a Je̅w̅.
5 And when Hā‑́măn saw that Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Hā‑́măn full of wrath.
6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī alone; for they had shewed him the people of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī: wherefore Hā‑́măn sought to destroy all the Je̅w̅ṡ that [were] through­out the whole kingdom of Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, [even] the people of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī.
7 ¶ In the first month, that [is], the month Nī‑́săn, in the twelfth year of king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, they cast Pu̇r, that [is], the lot, before Hā‑́măn from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Ā‑́där.
8 ¶ And Hā‑́măn said unto king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, 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.
9 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.
10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Hā‑́măn the son of Hăm‑mĕ‑dā‑́thă the Ăg‑́ă‑gīte, the Je̅w̅ṡ’ enemy.
11 And the king said unto Hā‑́măn, The silver [is] given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
12 Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Hā‑́măn 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 Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring.
13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Je̅w̅ṡ, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, [even] upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which [is] the month Ā‑́där, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey.
14 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.
15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shû‑́shăn the palace. And the king and Hā‑́măn sat down to drink; but the city Shû‑́shăn was perplexed.
CHAPTER 4
When Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī perceived all that was done, Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī 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;
2 And came even before the king’s gate: for none [might] enter into the king’s gate clothed with sack­cloth.
3 And in every province, whither­soever the king’s commandment and his decree came, [there was] great mourning among the Je̅w̅ṡ, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sack­cloth and ashes.
4 ¶ So Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr’s maids and her chamberlains came and told [it] her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, and to take away his sack­cloth from him: but he received [it] not.
5 Then called Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr for Hā‑́tăc͟h, [one] of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, to know what it [was], and why it [was].
6 So Hā‑́tăc͟h went forth to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī unto the street of the city, which [was] before the king’s gate.
7 And Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Hā‑́măn had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Je̅w̅ṡ, to destroy them.
8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shû‑́shăn to destroy them, to shew [it] unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr, 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.
9 And Hā‑́tăc͟h came and told Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the words of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī.
10 ¶ Again Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr spake unto Hā‑́tăc͟h, and gave him commandment unto Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī;
11 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.
12 And they told to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr’s words.
13 Then Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī commanded to answer Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr, Think not with thy­self that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Je̅w̅ṡ.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Je̅w̅ṡ 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?
15 ¶ Then Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr bade [them] return Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī [this answer],
16 Go, gather together all the Je̅w̅ṡ that are present in Shû‑́shăn, 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.
17 So Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī went his way, and did according to all that Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr had commanded him.
CHAPTER 5
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
2 And it was so, when the king saw Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen standing in the court, [that] she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the golden sceptre that [was] in his hand. So Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
4 And Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr answered, If [it seem] good unto the king, let the king and Hā‑́măn come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
5 Then the king said, Cause Hā‑́măn to make haste, that he may do as Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr hath said. So the king and Hā‑́măn came to the banquet that Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr had prepared.
6 ¶ And the king said unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr 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.
7 Then answered Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr, and said, My petition and my request [is];
8 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 Hā‑́măn come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
9 ¶ Then went Hā‑́măn forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Hā‑́măn saw Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī.
10 Nevertheless Hā‑́măn refrained him­self: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zē‑́rĕsh his wife.
11 And Hā‑́măn 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.
12 Hā‑́măn said more­over, Yea, Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr 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.
13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī the Je̅w̅ sitting at the king’s gate.
14 ¶ Then said Zē‑́rĕsh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Hā‑́măn; and he caused the gallows to be made.
CHAPTER 6
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.
2 And it was found written, that Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī had told of Bĭg‑thā‑́nă and Tē‑́rĕsh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs.
3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
4 ¶ And the king said, Who [is] in the court? Now Hā‑́măn was come into the out­ward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5 And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Hā‑́măn standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
6 So Hā‑́măn came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Hā‑́măn thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
7 And Hā‑́măn answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
8 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:
9 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.
10 Then the king said to Hā‑́măn, Make haste, [and] take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī the Je̅w̅, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
11 Then took Hā‑́măn the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, 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.
12 ¶ And Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī came again to the king’s gate. But Hā‑́măn hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
13 And Hā‑́măn told Zē‑́rĕsh his wife and all his friends every [thing] that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zē‑́rĕsh his wife unto him, If Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī [be] of the seed of the Je̅w̅ṡ, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
14 And while they [were] yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Hā‑́măn unto the banquet that Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr had prepared.
CHAPTER 7
So the king and Hā‑́măn came to banquet with Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen.
2 And the king said again unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr on the second day at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition, queen Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? and it shall be performed, [even] to the half of the kingdom.
3 Then Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr 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:
4 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.
5 ¶ Then the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs answered and said unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
6 And Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr said, The adversary and enemy [is] this wicked Hā‑́măn. Then Hā‑́măn was afraid before the king and the queen.
7 ¶ And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath [went] into the palace garden: and Hā‑́măn stood up to make request for his life to Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Hā‑́măn was fallen upon the bed whereon Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr [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 Hā‑́măn’s face.
9 And Här‑bō‑́năh, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Hā‑́măn had made for Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Hā‑́măn. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.
10 So they hanged Hā‑́măn on the gallows that he had prepared for Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
CHAPTER 8
On that day did the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs give the house of Hā‑́măn the Je̅w̅ṡ’ enemy unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen. And Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī came before the king; for Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr had told what he [was] unto her.
2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Hā‑́măn, and gave it unto Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī. And Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr set Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī over the house of Hā‑́măn.
3 ¶ And Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Hā‑́măn the Ăg‑́ă‑gīte, and his device that he had devised against the Je̅w̅ṡ.
4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr. So Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr arose, and stood before the king,
5 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 Hā‑́măn the son of Hăm‑mĕ‑dā‑́thă the Ăg‑́ă‑gīte, which he wrote to destroy the Je̅w̅ṡ which [are] in all the king’s provinces:
6 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?
7 ¶ Then the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs said unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen and to Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī the Je̅w̅, Behold, I have given Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the house of Hā‑́măn, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Je̅w̅ṡ.
8 Write ye also for the Je̅w̅ṡ, 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.
9 Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sī‑́văn, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī commanded unto the Je̅w̅ṡ, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from Ĭn‑́dĭ‑ă unto Ē‑thĭ‑ō‑́pĭ‑ă, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Je̅w̅ṡ according to their writing, and according to their language.
10 And he wrote in the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs’ name, and sealed [it] with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horse­back, [and] riders on mules, camels, [and] young dromedaries:
11 Wherein the king granted the Je̅w̅ṡ 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,
12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, [namely], upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which [is] the month Ā‑́där.
13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province [was] published unto all people, and that the Je̅w̅ṡ should be ready against that day to avenge them­selves on their enemies.
14 [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 Shû‑́shăn the palace.
15 ¶ And Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī 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 Shû‑́shăn rejoiced and was glad.
16 The Je̅w̅ṡ had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
17 And in every province, and in every city, whither­soever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Je̅w̅ṡ had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Je̅w̅ṡ; for the fear of the Je̅w̅ṡ fell upon them.
CHAPTER 9
Now in the twelfth month, that [is], the month Ā‑́där, 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 Je̅w̅ṡ hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Je̅w̅ṡ had rule over them that hated them;)
2 The Je̅w̅ṡ gathered them­selves together in their cities through­out all the provinces of the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could with­stand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Je̅w̅ṡ; because the fear of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī fell upon them.
4 For Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī [was] great in the king’s house, and his fame went out through­out all the provinces: for this man Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī waxed greater and greater.
5 Thus the Je̅w̅ṡ smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
6 And in Shû‑́shăn the palace the Je̅w̅ṡ slew and destroyed five hundred men.
7 And Pär‑shăn‑dā‑́thă, and Dăl‑́phŏn, and Ăs‑́pā‑́thă,
8 And Pôr‑ā‑́thă, and Ă‑dā‑́lĭ‑ă, and Ăr‑ĭ‑dā‑́thă,
9 And Pär‑măsh‑́tă, and Ăr‑́ĭ‑sa᷍i, and Ăr‑́ĭ‑da᷍i, and Vă‑jĕz‑́ă‑thă,
10 The ten sons of Hā‑́măn the son of Hăm‑mĕ‑dā‑́thă, the enemy of the Je̅w̅ṡ, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.
11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shû‑́shăn the palace was brought before the king.
12 ¶ And the king said unto Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen, The Je̅w̅ṡ have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shû‑́shăn the palace, and the ten sons of Hā‑́măn; 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.
13 Then said Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Je̅w̅ṡ which [are] in Shû‑́shăn to do to morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Hā‑́măn’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.
14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shû‑́shăn; and they hanged Hā‑́măn’s ten sons.
15 For the Je̅w̅ṡ that [were] in Shû‑́shăn gathered them­selves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Ā‑́där, and slew three hundred men at Shû‑́shăn; but on the prey they laid not their hand.
16 But the other Je̅w̅ṡ 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,
17 On the thirteenth day of the month Ā‑́där; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
18 But the Je̅w̅ṡ that [were] at Shû‑́shăn 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.
19 Therefore the Je̅w̅ṡ of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Ā‑́där [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
20 ¶ And Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Je̅w̅ṡ that [were] in all the provinces of the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, [both] nigh and far,
21 To stablish [this] among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Ā‑́där, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
22 As the days wherein the Je̅w̅ṡ 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.
23 And the Je̅w̅ṡ under­took to do as they had begun, and as Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī had written unto them;
24 Because Hā‑́măn the son of Hăm‑mĕ‑dā‑́thă, the Ăg‑́ă‑gīte, the enemy of all the Je̅w̅ṡ, had devised against the Je̅w̅ṡ to destroy them, and had cast Pu̇r, that [is], the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
25 But when [Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Je̅w̅ṡ, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
26 Wherefore they called these days Pū‑́rĭm after the name of Pu̇r. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,
27 The Je̅w̅ṡ 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;
28 And [that] these days [should be] remembered and kept through­out every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and [that] these days of Pū‑́rĭm should not fail from among the Je̅w̅ṡ, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
29 Then Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen, the daughter of Ăb‑́ĭ‑ha͟il, and Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī the Je̅w̅, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Pū‑́rĭm.
30 And he sent the letters unto all the Je̅w̅ṡ, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, [with] words of peace and truth,
31 To confirm these days of Pū‑́rĭm in their times [appointed], according as Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī the Je̅w̅ and Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for them­selves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
32 And the decree of Ĕs‑́t͞hĕr confirmed these matters of Pū‑́rĭm; and it was written in the book.
CHAPTER 10
And the king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs laid a tribute upon the land, and [upon] the isles of the sea.
2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī, where­unto the king advanced him, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Mē‑́dĭ‑ă and Pĕr‑́s̅i̅ă?
3 For Môr‑dĕ‑cā‑́ī the Je̅w̅ [was] next unto king Ă‑hăṡ‑ū‑ē‑́rŭs, and great among the Je̅w̅ṡ, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.