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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:30:46 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:30:46 -0700 |
| commit | eb1a097f93feff771c153a85f4b330430eb29b25 (patch) | |
| tree | cccf2f29d94c397551aaf02d9532d941597ad150 /old/7999-h/book17.htm | |
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diff --git a/old/7999-h/book17.htm b/old/7999-h/book17.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ec35c75 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/7999-h/book17.htm @@ -0,0 +1,773 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>Book 17</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- +body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {color:#A82C28} +blockquote {font-size:14pt} +P {font-size:16pt} +--> +</style> +</head> +<body> + +<center> +<table summary="book17"> +<tr><td> +<a href="book16.htm">Previous</a> <a href="contents.htm">Home</a> <a href="book18.htm">Next</a> + + +<h1>Book 17 Esther</h1> + +<p>17:001:001 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is<br> + Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over<br> + an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)</p> + +<p>17:001:002 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne<br> + of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,</p> + +<p>17:001:003 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his<br> + princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the<br> + nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:</p> + +<p>17:001:004 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the<br> + honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and<br> + fourscore days.</p> + +<p>17:001:005 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto<br> + all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both<br> + unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden<br> + of the king's palace;</p> + +<p>17:001:006 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with<br> + cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of<br> + marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of<br> + red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.</p> + +<p>17:001:007 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels<br> + being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance,<br> + according to the state of the king.</p> + +<p>17:001:008 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel:<br> + for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his<br> + house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.</p> + +<p>17:001:009 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal<br> + house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.</p> + +<p>17:001:010 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with<br> + wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and<br> + Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that<br> + served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,</p> + +<p>17:001:011 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown<br> + royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she<br> + was fair to look on.</p> + +<p>17:001:012 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment<br> + by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and<br> + his anger burned in him.</p> + +<p>17:001:013 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for<br> + so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and<br> + judgment:</p> + +<p>17:001:014 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha,<br> + Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of<br> + Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the<br> + first in the kingdom;)</p> + +<p>17:001:015 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law,<br> + because she hath not performed the commandment of the king<br> + Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?</p> + +<p>17:001:016 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti<br> + the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to<br> + all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the<br> + provinces of the king Ahasuerus.</p> + +<p>17:001:017 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women,<br> + so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when<br> + it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the<br> + queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.</p> + +<p>17:001:018 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day<br> + unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of<br> + the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.</p> + +<p>17:001:019 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from<br> + him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and<br> + the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more<br> + before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate<br> + unto another that is better than she.</p> + +<p>17:001:020 And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be<br> + published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all<br> + the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great<br> + and small.</p> + +<p>17:001:021 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king<br> + did according to the word of Memucan:</p> + +<p>17:001:022 For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every<br> + province according to the writing thereof, and to every people<br> + after their language, that every man should bear rule in his<br> + own house, and that it should be published according to the<br> + language of every people.</p> + +<p>17:002:001 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was<br> + appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and<br> + what was decreed against her.</p> + +<p>17:002:002 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let<br> + there be fair young virgins sought for the king:</p> + +<p>17:002:003 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his<br> + kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young<br> + virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women,<br> + unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the<br> + women; and let their things for purification be given them:</p> + +<p>17:002:004 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of<br> + Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.</p> + +<p>17:002:005 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name<br> + was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of<br> + Kish, a Benjamite;</p> + +<p>17:002:006 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity<br> + which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom<br> + Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.</p> + +<p>17:002:007 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's<br> + daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid<br> + was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and<br> + mother were dead, took for his own daughter.</p> + +<p>17:002:008 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree<br> + was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto<br> + Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was<br> + brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai,<br> + keeper of the women.</p> + +<p>17:002:009 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him;<br> + and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with<br> + such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were<br> + meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he<br> + preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house<br> + of the women.</p> + +<p>17:002:010 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai<br> + had charged her that she should not shew it.</p> + +<p>17:002:011 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's<br> + house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.</p> + +<p>17:002:012 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king<br> + Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to<br> + the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their<br> + purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of<br> + myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things<br> + for the purifying of the women;)</p> + +<p>17:002:013 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she<br> + desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the<br> + women unto the king's house.</p> + +<p>17:002:014 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into<br> + the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz,<br> + the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in<br> + unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and<br> + that she were called by name.</p> + +<p>17:002:015 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle<br> + of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to<br> + go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the<br> + king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And<br> + Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked<br> + upon her.</p> + +<p>17:002:016 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal<br> + in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh<br> + year of his reign.</p> + +<p>17:002:017 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she<br> + obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the<br> + virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and<br> + made her queen instead of Vashti.</p> + +<p>17:002:018 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his<br> + servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the<br> + provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.</p> + +<p>17:002:019 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time,<br> + then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.</p> + +<p>17:002:020 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as<br> + Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of<br> + Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.</p> + +<p>17:002:021 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of<br> + the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which<br> + kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king<br> + Ahasuerus.</p> + +<p>17:002:022 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther<br> + the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's<br> + name.</p> + +<p>17:002:023 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out;<br> + therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written<br> + in the book of the chronicles before the king.</p> + +<p>17:003:001 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of<br> + Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat<br> + above all the princes that were with him.</p> + +<p>17:003:002 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate,<br> + bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded<br> + concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.</p> + +<p>17:003:003 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said<br> + unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?</p> + +<p>17:003:004 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he<br> + hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether<br> + Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he<br> + was a Jew.</p> + +<p>17:003:005 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him<br> + reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.</p> + +<p>17:003:006 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they<br> + had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought<br> + to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom<br> + of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.</p> + +<p>17:003:007 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth<br> + year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot,<br> + before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the<br> + twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.</p> + +<p>17:003:008 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people<br> + scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the<br> + provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all<br> + people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not<br> + for the king's profit to suffer them.</p> + +<p>17:003:009 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be<br> + destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to<br> + the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to<br> + bring it into the king's treasuries.</p> + +<p>17:003:010 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto<br> + Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.</p> + +<p>17:003:011 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the<br> + people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.</p> + +<p>17:003:012 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of<br> + the first month, and there was written according to all that<br> + Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the<br> + governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of<br> + every people of every province according to the writing<br> + thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name<br> + of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's<br> + ring.</p> + +<p>17:003:013 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's<br> + provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all<br> + Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one<br> + day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which<br> + is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.</p> + +<p>17:003:014 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every<br> + province was published unto all people, that they should be<br> + ready against that day.</p> + +<p>17:003:015 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment,<br> + and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king<br> + and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was<br> + perplexed.</p> + +<p>17:004:001 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his<br> + clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into<br> + the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;</p> + +<p>17:004:002 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter<br> + into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.</p> + +<p>17:004:003 And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment<br> + and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews,<br> + and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in<br> + sackcloth and ashes.</p> + +<p>17:004:004 So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her.<br> + Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment<br> + to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him:<br> + but he received it not.</p> + +<p>17:004:005 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains,<br> + whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a<br> + commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.</p> + +<p>17:004:006 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city,<br> + which was before the king's gate.</p> + +<p>17:004:007 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and<br> + of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the<br> + king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.</p> + +<p>17:004:008 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that<br> + was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther,<br> + and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should<br> + go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to<br> + make request before him for her people.</p> + +<p>17:004:009 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.</p> + +<p>17:004:010 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto<br> + Mordecai;</p> + +<p>17:004:011 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's<br> + provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women,<br> + shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not<br> + called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except<br> + such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that<br> + he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the<br> + king these thirty days.</p> + +<p>17:004:012 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.</p> + +<p>17:004:013 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with<br> + thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than<br> + all the Jews.</p> + +<p>17:004:014 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then<br> + shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from<br> + another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be<br> + destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the<br> + kingdom for such a time as this?</p> + +<p>17:004:015 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,</p> + +<p>17:004:016 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan,<br> + and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days,<br> + night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so<br> + will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:<br> + and if I perish, I perish.</p> + +<p>17:004:017 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther<br> + had commanded him.</p> + +<p>17:005:001 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her<br> + royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's<br> + house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon<br> + his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of<br> + the house.</p> + +<p>17:005:002 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in<br> + the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king<br> + held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So<br> + Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.</p> + +<p>17:005:003 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and<br> + what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half<br> + of the kingdom.</p> + +<p>17:005:004 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the<br> + king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have<br> + prepared for him.</p> + +<p>17:005:005 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do<br> + as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet<br> + that Esther had prepared.</p> + +<p>17:005:006 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is<br> + thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy<br> + request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be<br> + performed.</p> + +<p>17:005:007 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;</p> + +<p>17:005:008 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it<br> + please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my<br> + request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I<br> + shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king<br> + hath said.</p> + +<p>17:005:009 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart:<br> + but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood<br> + not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against<br> + Mordecai.</p> + +<p>17:005:010 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home,<br> + he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.</p> + +<p>17:005:011 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the<br> + multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king<br> + had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the<br> + princes and servants of the king.</p> + +<p>17:005:012 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come<br> + in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but<br> + myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the<br> + king.</p> + +<p>17:005:013 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai<br> + the Jew sitting at the king's gate.</p> + +<p>17:005:014 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a<br> + gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou<br> + unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go<br> + thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing<br> + pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.</p> + +<p>17:006:001 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to<br> + bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were<br> + read before the king.</p> + +<p>17:006:002 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana<br> + and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the<br> + door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.</p> + +<p>17:006:003 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to<br> + Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that<br> + ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.</p> + +<p>17:006:004 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come<br> + into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the<br> + king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for<br> + him.</p> + +<p>17:006:005 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth<br> + in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.</p> + +<p>17:006:006 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be<br> + done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now<br> + Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to<br> + do honour more than to myself?</p> + +<p>17:006:007 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king<br> + delighteth to honour,</p> + +<p>17:006:008 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear,<br> + and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal<br> + which is set upon his head:</p> + +<p>17:006:009 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one<br> + of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man<br> + withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on<br> + horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before<br> + him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth<br> + to honour.</p> + +<p>17:006:010 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel<br> + and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai<br> + the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of<br> + all that thou hast spoken.</p> + +<p>17:006:011 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed<br> + Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of<br> + the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done<br> + unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.</p> + +<p>17:006:012 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted<br> + to his house mourning, and having his head covered.</p> + +<p>17:006:013 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing<br> + that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his<br> + wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before<br> + whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against<br> + him, but shalt surely fall before him.</p> + +<p>17:006:014 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's<br> + chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that<br> + Esther had prepared.</p> + +<p>17:007:001 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.</p> + +<p>17:007:002 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the<br> + banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it<br> + shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall<br> + be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.</p> + +<p>17:007:003 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found<br> + favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my<br> + life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:</p> + +<p>17:007:004 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be<br> + slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and<br> + bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not<br> + countervail the king's damage.</p> + +<p>17:007:005 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the<br> + queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his<br> + heart to do so?</p> + +<p>17:007:006 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.<br> + Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.</p> + +<p>17:007:007 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath<br> + went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make<br> + request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that<br> + there was evil determined against him by the king.</p> + +<p>17:007:008 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place<br> + of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed<br> + whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the<br> + queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of<br> + king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.</p> + +<p>17:007:009 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king,<br> + Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had<br> + made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in<br> + the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.</p> + +<p>17:007:010 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for<br> + Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.</p> + +<p>17:008:001 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the<br> + Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before<br> + the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.</p> + +<p>17:008:002 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman,<br> + and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the<br> + house of Haman.</p> + +<p>17:008:003 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at<br> + his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief<br> + of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised<br> + against the Jews.</p> + +<p>17:008:004 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So<br> + Esther arose, and stood before the king,</p> + +<p>17:008:005 And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his<br> + sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be<br> + pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters<br> + devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he<br> + wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's<br> + provinces:</p> + +<p>17:008:006 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my<br> + people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my<br> + kindred?</p> + +<p>17:008:007 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to<br> + Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of<br> + Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he<br> + laid his hand upon the Jews.</p> + +<p>17:008:008 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's<br> + name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which<br> + is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's<br> + ring, may no man reverse.</p> + +<p>17:008:009 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third<br> + month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth<br> + day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai<br> + commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the<br> + deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto<br> + Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every<br> + province according to the writing thereof, and unto every<br> + people after their language, and to the Jews according to<br> + their writing, and according to their language.</p> + +<p>17:008:010 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with<br> + the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and<br> + riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:</p> + +<p>17:008:011 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to<br> + gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to<br> + destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the<br> + people and province that would assault them, both little ones<br> + and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,</p> + +<p>17:008:012 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely,<br> + upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the<br> + month Adar.</p> + +<p>17:008:013 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every<br> + province was published unto all people, and that the Jews<br> + should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their<br> + enemies.</p> + +<p>17:008:014 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being<br> + hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the<br> + decree was given at Shushan the palace.</p> + +<p>17:008:015 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal<br> + apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and<br> + with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of<br> + Shushan rejoiced and was glad.</p> + +<p>17:008:016 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.</p> + +<p>17:008:017 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the<br> + king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and<br> + gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of<br> + the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.</p> + +<p>17:009:001 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the<br> + thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and<br> + his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that<br> + the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though<br> + it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over<br> + them that hated them;)</p> + +<p>17:009:002 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities<br> + throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay<br> + hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand<br> + them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.</p> + +<p>17:009:003 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and<br> + the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews;<br> + because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.</p> + +<p>17:009:004 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went<br> + out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed<br> + greater and greater.</p> + +<p>17:009:005 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the<br> + sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would<br> + unto those that hated them.</p> + +<p>17:009:006 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five<br> + hundred men.</p> + +<p>17:009:007 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,</p> + +<p>17:009:008 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,</p> + +<p>17:009:009 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,</p> + +<p>17:009:010 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the<br> + Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.</p> + +<p>17:009:011 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the<br> + palace was brought before the king.</p> + +<p>17:009:012 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain<br> + and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the<br> + ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the<br> + king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be<br> + granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be<br> + done.</p> + +<p>17:009:013 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to<br> + the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according<br> + unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged<br> + upon the gallows.</p> + +<p>17:009:014 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was<br> + given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.</p> + +<p>17:009:015 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together<br> + on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three<br> + hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their<br> + hand.</p> + +<p>17:009:016 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered<br> + themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest<br> + from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five<br> + thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,</p> + +<p>17:009:017 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth<br> + day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and<br> + gladness.</p> + +<p>17:009:018 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the<br> + thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on<br> + the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day<br> + of feasting and gladness.</p> + +<p>17:009:019 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled<br> + towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of<br> + gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions<br> + one to another.</p> + +<p>17:009:020 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the<br> + Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus,<br> + both nigh and far,</p> + +<p>17:009:021 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the<br> + fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the<br> + same, yearly,</p> + +<p>17:009:022 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and<br> + the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and<br> + from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days<br> + of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another,<br> + and gifts to the poor.</p> + +<p>17:009:023 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as<br> + Mordecai had written unto them;</p> + +<p>17:009:024 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of<br> + all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them,<br> + and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to<br> + destroy them;</p> + +<p>17:009:025 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters<br> + that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews,<br> + should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons<br> + should be hanged on the gallows.</p> + +<p>17:009:026 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur.<br> + Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which<br> + they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto<br> + them,</p> + +<p>17:009:027 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed,<br> + and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it<br> + should not fail, that they would keep these two days according<br> + to their writing, and according to their appointed time every<br> + year;</p> + +<p>17:009:028 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout<br> + every generation, every family, every province, and every<br> + city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among<br> + the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.</p> + +<p>17:009:029 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai<br> + the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second<br> + letter of Purim.</p> + +<p>17:009:030 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred<br> + twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with<br> + words of peace and truth,</p> + +<p>17:009:031 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed,<br> + according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had<br> + enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for<br> + their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.</p> + +<p>17:009:032 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and<br> + it was written in the book.</p> + +<p>17:010:001 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon<br> + the isles of the sea.</p> + +<p>17:010:002 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the<br> + declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king<br> + advanced him, are they not written in the book of the<br> + chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?</p> + +<p>17:010:003 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great<br> + among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren,<br> + seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all<br> + his seed.</p> + + +<a href="book16.htm">Previous</a> <a href="contents.htm">Home</a> <a href="book18.htm">Next</a> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +</body> +</html> |