Study Desk

So King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Behold, I have given the house of Haman to Esther, and they have hanged him on the wooden gallows because he had reached out with his hand against the Jews.

In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree arrived, there was joy and jubilation for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, because the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.

The Jews assembled in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to attack those who sought to harm them; and no one could stand against them, because the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples.

Even all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king's business were supporting the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from grief into joy, and from mourning into a holiday; that they were to make them days of feasting and rejoicing, and sending portions of food to one another, and gifts to the poor.

Therefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. And because of the instructions in this letter, both what they had seen in this regard and what had happened to them,

Because it did not shut the opening of my mother's womb, Or hide trouble from my eyes.

Which are darkened because of ice, And into which the snow melts.

"For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.

"Then you would trust, because there is hope; And you would look around and rest securely.

Because he has reached out with his hand against God, And is arrogant toward the Almighty.

"My eye has also become inexpressive because of grief, And all my body parts are like a shadow.

"Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation.

"Because he knew no quiet within him, He does not retain anything he desires.

"Is it because of your reverence that He punishes you, That He enters into judgment against you?

"His survivors will be buried because of the plague, And their widows will not be able to weep.

Because I saved the poor who cried for help, And the orphan who had no helper.

"Because He has undone my bowstring and afflicted me, They have cast off the bridle before me.

If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Because I saw I had support in the gate,

"For disaster from God is a terror to me, And because of His majesty I can do nothing.