Additions to Esther 8:22-32

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,
30 since he, the one who did these things, has been hanged at the gate of Susa with all his household—for God, who rules over all things, has speedily inflicted on him the punishment that he deserved.
31 "Therefore post a copy of this letter publicly in every place, and permit the Jews to live under their own laws.
32 And give them reinforcements, so that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, on that very day, they may defend themselves against those who attack them at the time of oppression.

Footnotes 2

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.