9
Then the king’s scribes were called at that time in the third month, that
is, the month Sivan, on the twenty-third
day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews and to the lieutenants and the captains and the princes of the provinces which
are from India unto Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, unto each province according to the writing thereof, and unto each people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
10
And he wrote in King Ahasuerus’s name and sealed
it with the king’s ring and sent letters by posts on horseback,
and riders on mules, mules that were born of mares,
11
that the king granted
power to the Jews who
were in all the cities to gather themselves together and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish any army of the people or province that would assault them,
and even their little ones and women, and
to take the spoil of them for a prey,
12
upon the same day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus,
namely, upon the thirteenth
day of the twelfth month, which
is the month Adar.
13
The copy of the writing which was to be given as law in each province
was published unto all people and
said that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves of their enemies.
14
So the posts rode upon mules, they went out on mules, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the law was given at Shushan, the palace.
15
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white and with a great crown of gold and with a mantel of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
16
The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honour.
17
And in each province and in each city wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a banquet and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.