³ Mordecai the Jew was second^(A) in rank^(B) to King Xerxes,^(C) preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.^(D)

¹⁰ When Sanballat^(A) the Horonite and Tobiah^(B) the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.^(C)

¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.^(A)

²⁹ Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck,^(A) and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.^(B)

⁷ Zikri, an Ephraimite warrior, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azrikam the officer in charge of the palace, and Elkanah, second to the king.

⁴³ He had him ride in a chariot^(A) as his second-in-command,^[a](B) and people shouted before him, “Make way^[b]!”^(C) Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.^(D)

⁴⁴ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.”^(E)

⁴⁰ You shall be in charge of my palace,^(A) and all my people are to submit to your orders.^(B) Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.^(C)”

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire^(A) and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.