24
"But his arrogance knew no limits, and he tried to murder me and take over the empire.
25
In his crafty and deceitful way, he asked that Mordecai be put to death - Mordecai, who once saved my life and who has always supported me. He even asked for the death of Esther, our blameless queen, and in fact, the death of all the Jewish people.
26
His purpose was to leave us helpless and to allow the Macedonians to take over the Persian Empire.
27
Even though this wicked criminal plotted to wipe out the Jews, I find that they are not traitors at all but are governed by very just laws.
28
They worship the living God, the highest and greatest God, who has kept our empire in its excellent condition from the time of our ancestors until our own day. %0
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.