28
And are the children of the highest and the greatest, and the ever living God, by whose benefit the kingdom was given both to our fathers and to us, and is kept unto this day.
29
Wherefore know ye that those letters which he sent in our name, are void and of no effect.
30
For which crime both he himself that devised it, and all his kindred hang on gibbets, before the gates of this city Susan: not we, but God repaying him as he deserved.
31
But this edict, which we now send, shall be published in all cities, that the Jews may freely follow their own laws.
32
And you shall aid them that they may kill those who had prepared themselves to kill them, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is called Adar.
33
For the almighty God hath turned this day of sadness and mourning into joy to them.
34
Wherefore you shall also count this day among other festival days, and celebrate it with all joy, that it may be known also in times to come,
35
That all they who faithfully obey the Persians, receive a worthy reward for their fidelity : but they that are traitors to their kingdom, are destroyed for their wickedness.
36
And let every province and city, that will not be partaker of this solemnity, perish by the sword and by fire, and be destroyed in such manner as to be made unpassable, both to men and beasts, for an example of contempt, and disobedience.
37
And this was the content of the letter, that it should be notified in all lands and peoples that were subject to the empire of king Assuerus, that the Jews were ready to be revenged of their enemies.
38
So the swift posts went out carrying the messages, and the king's edict was hung up in Susan.