1On a single day in the whole kingdom of Artaxerxes, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month, which is Adar.
2The following is a copy of the letter: The great king Artaxerxes to the rulers of the provinces in the one hundred and twenty-seven satrapies from India to Ethiopia, and to those who are loyal to us, greetings.
3Many, being honored more frequently with the utmost kindness of their benefactors, have become arrogant,
4and not only do they seek to harm our subjects, but unable to bear their prosperity, they also attempt to plot against their own benefactors.
5And not only do they banish gratitude from among mortals, but puffed up by the boasts of those who are strangers to goodness, they suppose they will escape the justice of the God who always sees all things and hates evil.
6And often, the persuasion of those entrusted to manage the affairs of their friends has made many of those in authority partners in the shedding of innocent blood and has involved them in incurable calamities,
7by deceiving the sincere goodwill of their rulers with the false reasoning of their malice.
8But it is possible to see, not so much from the older histories that we have handed down, as by investigating the things at your feet, how many wicked deeds have been accomplished by the corrupting influence of those who rule unworthily.
9And we must pay attention to the future, so that we may provide an undisturbed kingdom in peace for all people,
10by adapting to changing circumstances, and always judging the matters that come before our sight with a most equitable response.
11For Haman son of Hamadathus, a Macedonian, in truth a foreigner to Persian blood and far removed from our kindness, having been received as a guest by us,
12obtained the benevolence we have toward every nation to such an extent that he was proclaimed our father and was continually bowed down to by all as the person second to the royal throne.
13But, unable to bear his arrogance, he endeavored to deprive us of our rule and our life,
14and by the intricate deceptions of his methods, he asked for the destruction of our savior and constant benefactor, Mordecai, and the blameless partner of our kingdom, Esther, together with their entire nation.
15For by these means he thought to find us defenseless and to transfer the dominion of the Persians to the Macedonians.
16But we find that the Jews, who were handed over for destruction by this thrice-accursed man, are not evildoers, but live according to the most just laws,
17and are sons of the most high, most great, living God, who directs the kingdom for us and for our ancestors in the most excellent condition.
18Therefore you will do well not to act upon the letters sent by Haman son of Hamadathus,
19because the very one who contrived these things has been impaled at the gates of Susa with his whole household, as the all-ruling God has swiftly rendered to him the judgment he deserved.
20Post a copy of this letter openly in every place, and allow the Jews to follow their own laws,
21and support them, so that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, on that very day, they may defend themselves against those who attacked them in the time of their affliction.
22For the all-powerful God has made this day a joy for them, instead of the destruction of the chosen race.
23And so you also, among your designated festivals, are to celebrate it as a special day with all feasting,
24so that both now and hereafter it may be a salvation for us and for the well-disposed Persians, but for those who plot against us, a memorial of their destruction.
25And every city or province whatsoever that does not act according to these things will be utterly consumed with spear and fire in wrath; it will be made not only impassable for humans, but also most hateful to wild beasts and birds for all time.
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