22 because during those days the Jews gained relief from(A) their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday.(B) They were to be days of feasting,(C) rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.

23 So the Jews agreed to continue the practice they had begun, as Mordecai had written them to do. 24 For Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews,(D) had plotted against the Jews to destroy them. He cast the pur—that is, the lot—to crush and destroy them.(E)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Ultrathin Reference Bible, Brown LeatherTouch, Thumb-Indexed
CSB Ultrathin Reference Bible, Brown LeatherTouch, Thumb-Indexed
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $19.00 (54%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Study Bible, Brown Genuine Leather
CSB Study Bible, Brown Genuine Leather
Retail: $89.99
Our Price: $56.99
Save: $33.00 (37%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Military Bible, Burgundy LeatherTouch for Marines
CSB Military Bible, Burgundy LeatherTouch for Marines
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Student Study Bible--soft leather-look, brown
CSB Student Study Bible--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $33.99
Save: $16.00 (32%)