Additions to Esther 4:41-51

41 Give me the right words to say when I go in to face Xerxes, that savage lion. Change his heart so that he will turn against Haman, our enemy, and destroy him and his gang. 1
42 Come to our rescue, O Lord. Help me; I am all alone, and I have no one to turn to but you.
43 "You know everything, Lord. You know that I hate the honor I receive from these Gentiles. I detest the thought of having sex with any of these uncircumcised heathen.
44 But you know that I have no choice. I hate the crown I have to wear as queen on official occasions. I never wear it unless I have to; it's as disgusting as last month's rag.
45 I refuse to eat at Haman's table or honor the king by attending his parties, and I have never drunk any of the wine dedicated to his gods. 2
46 Since I came here, the only thing that has brought me joy is my worship of you, Lord God of Abraham.
47 "Almighty God, listen to the prayer of your people. Rescue us from these evildoers, and take away my fear."
48 Queen Esther prayed for three days. Then she took off the clothes she had been wearing and put on her splendid robes again.
49 In all her royal splendor, she prayed again to her God and savior, who sees everything. Walking like a queen, she left her room accompanied by two servant women, one of them escorting her by the arm and
51 the other holding up the train of her robe.

Cross References 2

  • 1. C.24, 25Jude 9.13.
  • 2. C.28Daniel 1.8;Jude 12.2.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Chapter D 1-15 corresponds to chapter 15.1-16 in a number of English translations.]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.