Esther (Greek) 14
14
Esther's Prayer
29[1] Queen Esther was worried and upset, and she realized that only the Lord could save her people from being killed. 30[2] So she took off her beautiful royal robes and put on clothes that showed it was a time of suffering and death. She put ashes and dirt#14.2 dirt: Or “manure.” all over her head, rather than using any of her expensive lotions.#14.2 lotions: Or “perfumes.” And instead of doing everything she could to look beautiful and dignified, Esther just let her long hair hang down in tangles. 31[3] Then she prayed to the Lord God of Israel:
You, Lord, are the only King we have. And no one except you can help me now, because I'm all alone, 32[4] and I've decided to risk my life.
33[5] Ever since I was born, those who belong to my family's tribe have told me that long ago you chose our ancestors to become Israel, your own special people. You have always kept your promises to us. 34[6] But we sinned against you, Lord, and you let our enemies conquer us 35[7] because we had worshiped their gods. You were right to punish us this way.
36[8] But our enemies weren't satisfied just to keep us in bitter slavery. Now they have made an agreement with their idols 37[9] to kill all of us, your special people. And if they get rid of us, your promises to us will be meaningless. We will no longer be able to praise you, and we won't be able to worship you and offer sacrifices in your temple. 38[10] Then the nations will praise their idols and forever give honor to a mere earthly king.
39[11] Please, Lord, don't hand over your royal power#14.11 power: Greek “scepter,” a decorated rod, often made of gold, that a king held in his hand as a sign of his royal power. to gods that are nothing. We have fallen down, but don't let our enemies laugh at us. They have made plans to kill us, but turn their own plans against them. And make an example of the one who is behind those plans. 40[12] You are king of the gods and are above every other ruler, so show your power and rescue us in this time of great danger. Give me courage 41[13] and the right words to say to the king,#14.13 king: Greek “lion.” so that he will change his mind and hate the man who is attacking us. I pray that the king will get rid of him and those who support his plot. 42[14] #Dn 1.8; Jdt 12.2. Reach down and save us, Lord. I'm all alone—no one but you can help me now.
43-44[15-16] You know all things—you know how much I hate being the queen of this evil country. I hate the honor that the people give me, and wearing my crown when I go out in public is the same as wearing a blood-soaked rag placed around my head. That's why I refuse to wear it in my own living quarters. And you also know that I even hate to sleep with my husband the king, because he isn't one of your people and isn't circumcised. 45[17] I am your servant, Lord, and I have never eaten at the same table as Haman, and I have never attended the king's banquets or drunk wine that had been offered to other gods.
46[18] You are the Lord God that Abraham worshiped, and only you have given me any joy since I was brought here.
47[19] We have little hope left. But you, Lord, have power over everything, so please hear our prayers and rescue us from those who are evil. And help me not to be afraid.
End of Addition C
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Esther (Greek) 14: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
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