a copy of the document to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day.

The runners went out, hastened by the king's command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the palace. So the king and Haman sat down to drink. But the city of Shushan was perplexed.

Now Esther had not revealed her kindred nor her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.

I charge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust in the uncertainty of riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

For though I had been righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge.

The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.

In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, remain quietly where you are; for quietness heals great offenses.

Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.

Then Queen Esther answered and said, If I have found favor in your eyes, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.

For we have been sold, my people and I, to be annihilated, killed and destroyed. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent, although the enemy could never compensate for the king's loss.

For how can I endure to see the evil that will meet my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

and said to the king, May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' tombs, lies waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?

And I said to the king, If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it.

The king's heart is in the hand of Jehovah; like rivers of water, He turns it wherever He pleases.