12
The king then, admitting and approving the truth of what they said, granted them a general license so that freely and without royal authority or supervision they might destroy those everywhere in his kingdom who had transgressed the law of God.
10
Upon receiving this letter the Jews did not immediately hurry to make their departure, but they requested of the king that at their own hands those of the Jewish nation who had willfully transgressed against the holy God and the law of God should receive the punishment they deserved.
11
For they declared that those who for the belly's sake had transgressed the divine commandments would never be favorably disposed toward the king's government.
12
The king then, admitting and approving the truth of what they said, granted them a general license so that freely and without royal authority or supervision they might destroy those everywhere in his kingdom who had transgressed the law of God.
13
When they had applauded him in fitting manner, their priests and the whole multitude shouted the Hallelujah and joyfully departed.
14
And so on their way they punished and put to a public and shameful death any whom they met of their fellow-countrymen who had become defiled.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.