10
Listen to my appeal, and have mercy on the people who are your lot. Turn our mourning into feasting, that we might live and sing praises to your name, Lord. Don't silence the voice of those who praise you."
11
And all Israel cried out with all their might, for death was staring right at them.
12
Queen Esther, overcome by this contest with death, turned to the Lord for protection.
13
She took off her royal garments and put on mourning clothes. Instead of the finest spices, she smeared her head and body with ashes and dung, and humbled herself. Each place she had once joyfully beautified, she now covered with her tangled hair.
14
Then she begged the Lord God of Israel: “My Lord, you alone are our king. Help me! I have no one to help me but you,