27
When he heard this, the king was surprised at the unusual invitation to come out from the palace. He was completely overcome by confusion, and he asked what it was that they had worked so hard to prepare for him.
28
Now this was God's doing, the God who is Lord over all things, who had placed in the king's mind forgetfulness of the schemes that he had previously devised.
29
Hermon and all the king's friends pointed out, "The beasts and the forces have been prepared, Your Majesty, according to your careful plan."
30
But at these words the king was filled with extreme wrath because the providence of God had scattered every thought of his concerning these matters. He glared threateningly at Hermon and said,
31
"If your parents or children were here, I would have them prepared as a lavish meal for wild animals instead of the Jews. They are blameless as far as I'm concerned, and have demonstrated constant loyalty above all others toward my ancestors.