***1 The copy of the letters was this. The great king Artaxerxes, writeth these things to the princes, and gouernours that are vnder him from India vnto Ethiopia, in an hundred and seuen and twentie prouinces.
2 After that I became Lord ouer many nations, and had dominion ouer the whole world, not lifted vp with presumption of my authoritie, but carying my selfe alway with equitie and mildenesse, I purposed to settle my subiects continually in a quiet life, and making my kingdome peaceable, and open for passage to the vtmost coastes, to renue peace which is desired of all men.
3 Now when I asked my counsellers how this might bee brought to passe, Aman that excelled in wisedome among vs, and was approoued for his constant good will, and stedfast fidelitie, and had the honour of the second place in the kingdome,
4 Declared vnto vs, that in all nations throughout the world, there was scattered a certaine malitious people, that had Lawes contrary to all nations, and continually despised the commandements of Kings, so as the vniting of our kingdomes honourably intended by vs, cannot goe forward.
5 Seeing then we vnderstand that this people alone is continually in opposition vnto all men, differing in the strange maner of their Lawes, and euill affected to our state, working all the mischiefe they can, that our kingdome may not be firmely stablished:
6 Therefore haue we commanded that al they that are signified in writing vnto you by Aman (who is ordained ouer the affaires, and is next vnto vs) shall all with their wiues and children bee vtterly destroyed, by the sword of their enemies, without all mercie and pitie, the fourteenth day of the twelfth moneth Adar of this present yeere:
7 That they, who of old, and now also are malitious, may in one day with violence goe into the graue, and so euer hereafter, cause our affaires to be well settled, and without trouble.***
Chap 3
14 The copie of the writing for a commandement to bee giuen in euery prouince, was published vnto all people, that they should bee ready against that day.
15 The postes went out, being hastened by the kings commandement, and the decree was giuen in Shushan the palace: and the king and Haman sate downe to drinke, but the citie Shushan was perplexed.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).