Additions to Esther 8:19-29

19 "What has been wickedly accomplished through the pestilent behavior of those who exercise authority unworthily can be seen, not so much from the more ancient records that we hand on, as from investigation of matters close at hand.
20 In the future we will take care to render our kingdom quiet and peaceable for all,
21 by changing our methods and always judging what comes before our eyes with more equitable consideration.
22 For Haman son of Hammedatha, a Macedonian (really an alien to the Persian blood, and quite devoid of our kindliness), having become our guest,
23 enjoyed so fully the goodwill that we have for every nation that he was called our father and was continually bowed down to by all as the person second to the royal throne.
24 But, unable to restrain his arrogance, he undertook to deprive us of our kingdom and our life,
25 and with intricate craft and deceit asked for the destruction of Mordecai, our savior and perpetual benefactor, and of Esther, the blameless partner of our kingdom, together with their whole nation.
26 He thought that by these methods he would catch us undefended and would transfer the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.
27 "But we find that the Jews, who were consigned to annihilation by this thrice-accursed man, are not evildoers, but are governed by most righteous laws
28 and are children of the living God, most high, most mighty, who has directed the kingdom both for us and for our ancestors in the most excellent order.
29 "You will therefore do well not to put in execution the letters sent by Haman son of Hammedatha,

Footnotes 3

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.