Esther (Greek) 204
204
Addition E
Artaxerxes’ second decree
1Written below is a copy of the letter:
The Great King Artaxerxes writes to the governors in the one hundred twenty-seven provinces from India to Ethiopia, and to those who are loyal to us. Greetings!
2Many people who are greatly honored, owing to the immense generosity of their benefactors, become overly ambitious. 3Not only do they seek to harm our subjects, but they even attempt to scheme against their own benefactors since they are unable to manage their pride. 4Not only do they fail to exhibit gratitude among people, but encouraged by the boasts of people who know nothing of goodness, they even suppose they will escape the judgment of the God who sees all. 5Often, many people in positions of authority become accessories to the shedding of innocent blood because of the influence of friends they trusted to manage their affairs. They suffer terrible misfortunes 6as a result of the cruel lies of those who take advantage of the innocent goodwill of rulers.
7Now this can be seen, not so much from older accounts that we have inherited but from what is right before your eyes.#204.7 Or alongside your feet Consider the ungodly things that have been done as a result of the corruption of those not worthy to hold power. 8But looking to the future, we will make the kingdom peaceful and secure for all people, 9adopting changes and settling those matters that come to our attention with a fair reply.
10As for Haman, Hammedatha’s son, a Macedonian, he was not Persian, and was far removed from us in kindness. Yet we warmly welcomed him. 11He gained the goodwill that we have for every nation to such an extent that he was publicly proclaimed our father. All worshipped him as the person second only to the royal throne. 12But when he could no longer hold his pride in check, he made it his business to rob us of our leadership and our life. 13With lies and tricks he called for the destruction of Mordecai, our savior and constant benefactor, and Esther, our innocent partner in the kingdom, together with their whole nation. 14He thought that, by these methods, he could render us helpless and turn the Persian Empire over to the Macedonians.
15But we find that the Jews, whom this accursed man wanted to destroy, are not criminals but are governed by just laws. 16They are children of the most high, most great, living God, who has guided the kingdom on the best course for us and for our ancestors.
17You would do well, therefore, not to act on the letters sent by Haman, Hammedatha’s son. 18Haman, who devised these things, has been impaled at the gates of Susa together with his entire household. The God who holds power over all things swiftly passed this fair judgment on him. 19And you should publish a copy of this letter in every place for all to see, to allow the Jews to live by their own customs, 20and to assist them so that they can defend themselves against their attackers in the time of distress, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar.#204.20 February–March 21God, who rules over all things, has made this a joyous day for his chosen line rather than one of destruction. 22As for you, celebrate it with feasting 23as a special holiday among your festivals so that it will be for us, and for all Persians of goodwill, a memorial of deliverance, both now and in the future. But for those who plot against us, it will be a memorial of destruction. 24Any city or region, without exception, that does not act accordingly will be completely destroyed by fire and spear. This city will be made uninhabitable not only to humans but also to wild animals and birds for all time.
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Esther (Greek) 204: CEB
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