22
"Consider, for example, the case of Haman son of Hammedatha, a Macedonian. He is a foreigner with no Persian blood and with no trace of my generosity; but I welcomed him,
23
and he received the benefit of my concern and love for all people. He was, in fact, proclaimed "Father' of the empire and received more honor than anyone else, except the king. %0
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
29
"Therefore I advise you not to carry out the instructions issued in the letters sent out by Haman.
30
He is the person responsible for all of this, and he has been hanged, along with his entire family, at the gates of Susa. God, who governs all things, has given him the speedy punishment that he deserved. %0
31
"I order you to post copies of this decree in every public place. Permit the Jews to live by their own customs,
32
and give them support when they defend themselves against those who attack them on the day set for their destruction, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.