Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia),

Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded; to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the rulers of all the people, to every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring.

And when he came, behold Eli was sitting on a seat by the wayside, watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and reported, all the city cried out.

When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, What is this sound of tumult? And the man came quickly and reported to Eli.

So the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and spoke the words in the ears of the people. And all the people lifted up their voices and wept.

Therefore I said, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly; do not insist on comforting me because of the devastation of the daughter of my people.

And in that day Jehovah of Hosts called for weeping and mourning, and for baldness, and for girding with sackcloth.

And it happened when King Hezekiah heard it that he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of Jehovah.

And they said to him, Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble and of rebuke and of blasphemy! For the children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring forth.

and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast and a day pleasing to Jehovah?

And I set my face toward the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.