34
"Include this day among your national holidays and celebrate it as a festival.
35
Now and in the future it will remind us and all our allies of the way God watches over our nation, and those who plot against us will be reminded of God's threat of destruction. %0
36
"Every province, every city, without exception, which does not obey these orders will feel my anger. It will be destroyed in battle and burned to the ground. No human being will ever go there again, and even the birds and wild animals will avoid it forever.
37
"Post copies of this decree in plain view in every province, so that all the Jews can be ready to fight their enemies when that day comes."
38
Messengers on horses rode off at top speed to carry out the orders of the king, and the decree was also made public in Susa.
39
Mordecai left the palace, wearing royal robes, a turban of fine purple linen, and a gold crown. When the people of Susa saw him, they cheered,
40
and the Jews were happy and joyful.
41
They held a joyful holiday with feasting and happiness in every city and province, wherever the king's proclamation was posted. In fact, many Gentiles were circumcised and became Jews, because they were now afraid of them.