f | # The Book of Esther | f | # The Book of Esther |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 1 | | ## Chapter 1 |
| | | |
| 1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned | | 1 Now 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: | | , from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces: |
| ) | | ) |
| 2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, | | 2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, |
| which was in Shushan the palace, | | which was in Shushan the palace, |
| 3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his s | | 3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his s |
| ervants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, | | ervants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, |
| being before him: | | being before him: |
| 4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excell | | 4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excell |
| ent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. | | ent 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 th | | 5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people th |
| at were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in | | at were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in |
| the court of the garden of the king's palace; | | the court of the garden of the king's palace; |
| 6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen | | 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 sil | | and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and sil |
| ver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. | | ver, 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 fr | | 7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one fr |
| om another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. | | om 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 ha | | 8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king ha |
| d appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to e | | d appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to e |
| very man's pleasure. | | very man's pleasure. |
| 9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belo | | 9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belo |
| nged to king Ahasuerus. | | nged to king Ahasuerus. |
| 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he comman | | 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he comman |
| ded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven | | ded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven |
| chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, | | chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, |
| 11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the p | | 11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the p |
| eople and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. | | eople and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. |
| 12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamber | | 12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamber |
| lains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him. | | lains: 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 kin | | 13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the kin |
| g's manner toward all that knew law and judgment: | | g's manner toward all that knew law and judgment: |
| 14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsen | | 14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsen |
| a, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face | | a, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face |
| , and which sat the first in the kingdom;) | | , and which sat the first in the kingdom;) |
| 15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not | | 15 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? | | performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains? |
| 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath n | | 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath n |
| ot done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the peop | | ot done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the peop |
| le that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus. | | le that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus. |
| 17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they sha | | 17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they sha |
| ll despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Aha | | ll despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Aha |
| suerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not. | | suerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not. |
| 18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king' | | 18 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 | | s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too |
| much contempt and wrath. | | much contempt and wrath. |
| 19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it | | 19 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, | | 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 | | That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal |
| estate unto another that is better than she. | | estate unto another that is better than she. |
| 20 And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout | | 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 ho | | all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands ho |
| nour, both to great and small. | | nour, both to great and small. |
| 21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according t | | 21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according t |
| o the word of Memucan: | | o the word of Memucan: |
| 22 For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province accord | | 22 For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province accord |
| ing to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every | | ing 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 accordin | | man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published accordin |
| g to the language of every people. | | g to the language of every people. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 2 | | ## Chapter 2 |
| | | |
| 1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remember | | 1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remember |
| ed Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. | | ed Vashti, 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 youn | | 2 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair youn |
| g virgins sought for the king: | | g virgins sought for the king: |
n | 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that th | n | 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that th |
| ey may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to th | | ey may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan, the palace, to t |
| e house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of | | he house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai, the king's chamberlain, keeper |
| the women; and let their things for purification be given them: | | 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 Vashti. And the | | 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the |
| thing pleased the king; and he did so. | | thing pleased the king; and he did so. |
| 5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, th | | 5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, th |
| e son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; | | e son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; |
| 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been car | | 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been car |
| ried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon h | | ried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon h |
| ad carried away. | | ad carried away. |
| 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had | | 7 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, | | 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. | | 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 | | 8 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 | | 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 | | of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of |
| Hegai, keeper of the women. | | Hegai, keeper of the women. |
| 9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily | | 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 s | | gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and s |
| even maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he p | | even maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he p |
| referred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. | | referred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. |
| 10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged he | | 10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged he |
| r that she should not shew it. | | r that she should not shew it. |
| 11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know | | 11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know |
| how Esther did, and what should become of her. | | how Esther did, and what should become of her. |
| 12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that sh | | 12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that sh |
| e had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the | | e 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, | | 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 th | | and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of th |
| e women;) | | e women;) |
| 13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given h | | 13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given h |
| er to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house. | | er 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 | | 14 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 t | | of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept t |
| he concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in h | | he concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in h |
| er, and that she were called by name. | | er, and that she were called by name. |
| 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, w | | 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, w |
| ho had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required | | ho 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, appoint | | nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appoint |
| ed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. | | ed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. |
| 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth mon | | 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth mon |
| th, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. | | th, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. |
| 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and fav | | 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and fav |
| our in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon | | our 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. | | her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. |
| 18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even | | 18 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, accordin | | Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, accordin |
| g to the state of the king. | | g to the state of the king. |
| 19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sa | | 19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sa |
| t in the king's gate. | | t in the king's gate. |
| 20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged | | 20 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 u | | her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought u |
| p with him. | | p with him. |
| 21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamb | | 21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamb |
| erlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sough | | erlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sough |
| t to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. | | t to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. |
| 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and E | | 22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and E |
| sther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. | | sther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name. |
| 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they | | 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 be | | were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles be |
| fore the king. | | fore the king. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 3 | | ## Chapter 3 |
| | | |
| 1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the | | 1 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 | | Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with |
| him. | | him. |
| 2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenc | | 2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenc |
| ed Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, | | ed Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, |
| nor did him reverence. | | nor did him reverence. |
| 3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, W | | 3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, W |
| hy transgressest thou the king's commandment? | | hy transgressest thou the king's commandment? |
| 4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto | | 4 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 | | them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for |
| he had told them that he was a Jew. | | he had told them that he was a Jew. |
| 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Ha | | 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Ha |
| man full of wrath. | | man full of wrath. |
| 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him t | | 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him t |
| he people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were | | he people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were |
| throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. | | throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. |
| 7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahas | | 7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahas |
| uerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from m | | uerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from m |
| onth to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. | | onth to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. |
| 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad | | 8 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 l | | and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their l |
| aws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it | | aws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it |
| is not for the king's profit to suffer them. | | 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 wil | | 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I wil |
| l pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge | | l 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. | | 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 Haman the son of H | | 10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of H |
| ammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. | | ammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. |
| 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, t | | 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, t |
| o do with them as it seemeth good to thee. | | o 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, | | 12 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 | | 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 rul | | lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rul |
| ers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to e | | ers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to e |
| very people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, | | very people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, |
| and sealed with the king's ring. | | and sealed with the king's ring. |
| 13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, | | 13 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 | | 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 | | 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. | | is the month Adar, 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 p | | 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was p |
| ublished unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. | | ublished 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 | | 15 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 t | | was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but t |
| he city Shushan was perplexed. | | he city Shushan was perplexed. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 4 | | ## Chapter 4 |
| | | |
| 1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put | | 1 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 | | on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with |
| a loud and a bitter cry; | | a loud and a bitter cry; |
| 2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gat | | 2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gat |
| e clothed with sackcloth. | | e clothed with sackcloth. |
| 3 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree cam | | 3 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree cam |
| e, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailin | | e, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailin |
| g; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. | | g; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. |
| 4 So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the quee | | 4 So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the quee |
| n exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away | | n exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away |
| his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. | | his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. |
| 5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had app | | 5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had app |
| ointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what | | ointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what |
| it was, and why it was. | | it was, and why it was. |
| 6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before | | 6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before |
| the king's gate. | | the king's gate. |
| 7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the | | 7 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 | | money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to |
| destroy them. | | destroy them. |
| 8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shush | | 8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shush |
| an to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to c | | an to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to c |
| harge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, an | | harge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, an |
| d to make request before him for her people. | | d to make request before him for her people. |
| 9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. | | 9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. |
| 10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; | | 10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; |
| 11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, tha | | 11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, tha |
| t whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court | | t 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 | | , 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 n | | whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have n |
| ot been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. | | ot been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. |
| 12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. | | 12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. |
| 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou sh | | 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou sh |
| alt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. | | alt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. |
| 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlar | | 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlar |
| gement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy fa | | gement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy fa |
| ther's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the ki | | ther's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the ki |
| ngdom for such a time as this? | | ngdom for such a time as this? |
| 15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, | | 15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, |
| 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for | | 16 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 w | | me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens w |
| ill fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to | | ill fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to |
| the law: and if I perish, I perish. | | the law: and if I perish, I perish. |
| 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded | | 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded |
| him. | | him. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 5 | | ## Chapter 5 |
| | | |
| 1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, an | | 1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, an |
| d stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: a | | d stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: a |
| nd the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate | | nd the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate |
| of the house. | | of the house. |
| 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that | | 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that |
| she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sce | | she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sce |
| ptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scept | | ptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scept |
| re. | | re. |
| 3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy req | | 3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy req |
| uest? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. | | uest? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. |
| 4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman com | | 4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman com |
| e this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. | | e this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. |
| 5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath s | | 5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath s |
| aid. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared. | | aid. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared. |
| 6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? an | | 6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? an |
| d it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kin | | d it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kin |
| gdom it shall be performed. | | gdom it shall be performed. |
| 7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; | | 7 Then answered Esther, 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 | | 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 Haman come to the | | 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 to morrow as the king hath | | banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath |
| said. | | said. |
| 9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman sa | | 9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman sa |
| w Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was f | | w Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was f |
| ull of indignation against Mordecai. | | ull of indignation against Mordecai. |
| 10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and call | | 10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and call |
| ed for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. | | ed for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. |
| 11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his chil | | 11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his chil |
| dren, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advan | | dren, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advan |
| ced him above the princes and servants of the king. | | ced him above the princes and servants of the king. |
| 12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the ki | | 12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the ki |
| ng unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited | | ng unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited |
| unto her also with the king. | | unto her also with the king. |
| 13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting a | | 13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting a |
| t the king's gate. | | t the king's gate. |
| 14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made | | 14 Then said Zeresh 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 Mordecai may | | of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may |
| be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And t | | be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And t |
| he thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made. | | he thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 6 | | ## Chapter 6 |
| | | |
| 1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of | | 1 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. | | records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. |
| 2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two o | | 2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two o |
| f the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on th | | f the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on th |
| e king Ahasuerus. | | e king Ahasuerus. |
| 3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this | | 3 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 | | ? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done |
| for him. | | for him. |
| 4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward co | | 4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward co |
| urt of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows | | urt of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows |
| that he had prepared for him. | | that he had prepared for him. |
| 5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. An | | 5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. An |
| d the king said, Let him come in. | | d the king said, Let him come in. |
| 6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man | | 6 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 woul | | whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom woul |
| d the king delight to do honour more than to myself? | | d the king delight to do honour more than to myself? |
| 7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, | | 7 And Haman 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 t | | 8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse t |
| hat the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: | | hat 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 m | | 9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's m |
| ost noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth t | | ost noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth t |
| o honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclai | | o honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclai |
| m before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honou | | m before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honou |
| r. | | r. |
| 10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, | | 10 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' | | 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 hast spoken. | | s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. |
| 11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought | | 11 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 | | 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. | | shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. |
| 12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mou | | 12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mou |
| rning, and having his head covered. | | rning, and having his head covered. |
| 13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befal | | 13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befal |
| len him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of | | len 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 prevai | | the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevai |
| l against him, but shalt surely fall before him. | | l against him, but shalt surely fall before him. |
| 14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and h | | 14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and h |
| asted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared. | | asted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 7 | | ## Chapter 7 |
| | | |
| 1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. | | 1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. |
| 2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, | | 2 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 th | | What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is th |
| y request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. | | y request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. |
| 3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, | | 3 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 m | | O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and m |
| y people at my request: | | y people at my request: |
| 4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. | | 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, althou | | But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, althou |
| gh the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. | | gh the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. |
| 5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, an | | 5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, an |
| d where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? | | d where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? |
| 6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was | | 6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was |
| afraid before the king and the queen. | | afraid before the king and the queen. |
| 7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palac | | 7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palac |
| e garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; f | | e garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; f |
| or he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. | | or 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 | | 8 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 kin | | of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the kin |
| g, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of | | g, 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. | | the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. |
| 9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the | | 9 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 goo | | gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken goo |
| d for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him the | | d for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him the |
| reon. | | reon. |
| 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then w | | 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then w |
| as the king's wrath pacified. | | as the king's wrath pacified. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 8 | | ## Chapter 8 |
| | | |
| 1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unt | | 1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unt |
| o Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what | | o Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what |
| he was unto her. | | he was unto her. |
| 2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unt | | 2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unt |
| o Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. | | o Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. |
| 3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and bes | | 3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and bes |
| ought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his devi | | ought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his devi |
| ce that he had devised against the Jews. | | ce that he had devised against the Jews. |
| 4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and | | 4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and |
| stood before the king, | | stood before the king, |
| 5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and | | 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 w | | the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be w |
| ritten to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite | | ritten 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: | | , which he wrote to destroy the Jews 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 ca | | 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how ca |
| n I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? | | n I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? |
t | 7 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Be | t | 7 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther, the queen, and to Mordecai, the Jew, |
| hold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the | | Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman; and him they have hanged upon t |
| gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. | | he gallows because he laid his hands upon the Jews. |
| 8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it | | 8 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 s | | with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and s |
| ealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse. | | ealed 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, | | 9 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 acco | | the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written acco |
| rding to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and | | rding 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 | | 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 | | 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 | | thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according |
| to their writing, and according to their language. | | to their writing, and according to their language. |
| 10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, | | 10 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 | | and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young |
| dromedaries: | | dromedaries: |
| 11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselv | | 11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselv |
| es together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to p | | es together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to p |
| erish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both li | | erish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both li |
| ttle ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, | | ttle ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, |
| 12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirtee | | 12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirtee |
| nth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. | | nth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. |
| 13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was p | | 13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was p |
| ublished unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to | | ublished unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to |
| avenge themselves on their enemies. | | avenge themselves on their enemies. |
| 14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pre | | 14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pre |
| ssed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palac | | ssed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palac |
| e. | | e. |
| 15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue | | 15 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 | | 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. | | purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. |
| 16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. | | 16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. |
| 17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandmen | | 17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandmen |
| t and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. An | | t and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. An |
| d many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon | | d many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon |
| them. | | them. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 9 | | ## Chapter 9 |
| | | |
| 1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of th | | 1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of th |
| e same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execut | | e same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execut |
| ion, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (tho | | ion, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (tho |
| ugh it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated t | | ugh it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated t |
| hem;) | | hem;) |
| 2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provi | | 2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provi |
| nces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man | | nces 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. | | 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, an | | 3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, an |
| d officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon | | d officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon |
| them. | | them. |
| 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout a | | 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout a |
| ll the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. | | ll the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. |
| 5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaugh | | 5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaugh |
| ter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. | | ter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. |
| 6 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. | | 6 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. |
| 7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, | | 7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, |
| 8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, | | 8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, |
| 9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, | | 9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, |
| 10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they | | 10 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. | | ; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. |
| 11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was bro | | 11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was bro |
| ught before the king. | | ught before the king. |
| 12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed fi | | 12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed fi |
| ve hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they | | ve 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 | | 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. | | be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done. |
| 13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which | | 13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which |
| are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Ha | | are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Ha |
| man's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. | | man's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. |
| 14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; | | 14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; |
| and they hanged Haman's ten sons. | | and they hanged Haman's ten sons. |
| 15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourtee | | 15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourtee |
| nth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on th | | nth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on th |
| e prey they laid not their hand. | | e prey they laid not their hand. |
| 16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves toge | | 16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves toge |
| ther, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of th | | ther, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of th |
| eir foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, | | eir foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, |
| 17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the sam | | 17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the sam |
| e rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. | | e rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. |
| 18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day th | | 18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day th |
| ereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they | | ereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they |
| rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. | | rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. |
| 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made th | | 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made th |
| e fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good da | | e fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good da |
| y, and of sending portions one to another. | | y, and of sending portions one to another. |
| 20 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were | | 20 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, | | in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, |
| 21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the | | 21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the |
| month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, | | month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, |
| 22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which w | | 22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which w |
| as turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that | | as 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 a | | they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to a |
| nother, and gifts to the poor. | | nother, and gifts to the poor. |
| 23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written u | | 23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written u |
| nto them; | | nto them; |
| 24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, | | 24 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 | | had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot |
| , to consume them, and to destroy them; | | , to consume them, and to destroy them; |
| 25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked | | 25 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 | | 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. | | that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. |
| 26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for a | | 26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for a |
| ll the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this mat | | ll the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this mat |
| ter, and which had come unto them, | | ter, and which had come unto them, |
| 27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such | | 27 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 | | 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 | | these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time |
| every year; | | every year; |
| 28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation | | 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 Purim sho | | , every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim sho |
| uld not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their see | | uld not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their see |
| d. | | d. |
| 29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote w | | 29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote w |
| ith all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. | | ith all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. |
| 30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven pr | | 30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven pr |
| ovinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, | | ovinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, |
| 31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordeca | | 31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordeca |
| i the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for th | | i the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for th |
| emselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. | | emselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. |
| 32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written | | 32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written |
| in the book. | | in the book. |
| | | |
| ## Chapter 10 | | ## Chapter 10 |
| | | |
| 1 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the | | 1 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the |
| sea. | | sea. |
| 2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the gre | | 2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the gre |
| atness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the | | atness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the |
| book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? | | book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? |
| 3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, a | | 3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, a |
| nd accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, | | nd accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, |
| and speaking peace to all his seed. | | and speaking peace to all his seed. |
| | | |
| | | |