23
And found our humanity so great towards him, that he was called our father, and was worshipped by all as the next man after the king:
24
But he was so far puffed up with arrogancy, as to go about to deprive us of our kingdom and life.
25
For with certain new and unheard of devices he hath sought the destruction of Mardochai, by whose fidelity and good services our life was saved, and of Esther the partner of our kingdom, with all their nation:
26
Thinking that after they were slain, he might work treason against us left alone without friends, and might transfer the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.
27
But we have found that the Jews, who were by that most wicked man appointed to be slain, are in no fault at all, but contrariwise, use just laws,
28
And are the children of the highest and the greatest, and the ever living God, by whose benefit the kingdom was given both to our fathers and to us, and is kept unto this day.
29
Wherefore know ye that those letters which he sent in our name, are void and of no effect.
30
For which crime both he himself that devised it, and all his kindred hang on gibbets, before the gates of this city Susan: not we, but God repaying him as he deserved.
31
But this edict, which we now send, shall be published in all cities, that the Jews may freely follow their own laws.
32
And you shall aid them that they may kill those who had prepared themselves to kill them, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is called Adar.
33
For the almighty God hath turned this day of sadness and mourning into joy to them.