Study Desk

the Jews made it a rule for themselves, their descendants, and anyone who might become a Jew, that at the proper time each year these two days would be regularly observed according to Mordecai's instructions.

It was resolved that every Jewish family of every future generation in every province and every city should remember and observe the days of Purim for all time to come.

and directed them and their descendants to observe the days of Purim at the proper time, just as they had adopted rules for the observance of fasts and times of mourning. This was commanded by both Mordecai and Queen Esther.

Esther's command, confirming the rules for Purim, was written down on a scroll.

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank only to King Xerxes himself. He was honored and well-liked by his fellow Jews. He worked for the good of his people and for the security of all their descendants.

The morning after each feast, Job would get up early and offer sacrifices for each of his children in order to purify them. He always did this because he thought that one of them might have sinned by insulting God unintentionally.

When the day came for the heavenly beings to appear before the Lord , Satan was there among them.

When the day came for the heavenly beings to appear before the Lord again, Satan was there among them.

"Did you notice my servant Job?" the Lord asked. "There is no one on earth as faithful and good as he is. He worships me and is careful not to do anything evil. You persuaded me to let you attack him for no reason at all, but Job is still as faithful as ever."

Then they sat there on the ground with him for seven days and nights without saying a word, because they saw how much he was suffering.

Curse that night for letting me be born, for exposing me to trouble and grief.

They wait for death, but it never comes; they prefer a grave to any treasure.

I have no appetite for food like that, and everything I eat makes me sick.

If I knew he would, I would leap for joy, no matter how great my pain. I know that God is holy; I have never opposed what he commands.

I have no strength left to save myself; there is nowhere I can turn for help.

Caravans get lost looking for water; they wander and die in the desert.

You would even roll dice for orphan slaves and make yourselves rich off your closest friends!

like a slave longing for cool shade; like a worker waiting to be paid.

Month after month I have nothing to live for; night after night brings me grief.

When I lie down to sleep, the hours drag; I toss all night and long for dawn.