⁸ He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

¹⁴ A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day.^(A)

¹⁵ The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.^(B) The king and Haman sat down to drink,^(C) but the city of Susa was bewildered.^(D)

²⁰ But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.^(A)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich^(A) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(B) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(C) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^(D)

¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate^(A) made the good confession,^(B) I charge you^(C)

²⁰ He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon;^(A) they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.^(B)