Greek Additions to Esther 5

1The following is a copy of the letter: Great King Artaxerxes to the rulers of the provinces of the one hundred twenty-seven satrapies from India to Ethiopia, and to those who are loyal to our interests: greetings.

2Many, the more they were honored because of the greatest kindness of their benefactors, became more arrogant,

3And they seek not only to mistreat those subject to us, but, unable to bear prosperity, they even attempt to scheme against their own benefactors;

4And, while taking away gratitude not only from men, but also being puffed up by the boasts of those who are exceedingly good, they suppose they will escape the judgment of the God who always sees all things and hates evil.

5And often, by madness, she has made many of those appointed to positions of authority, trusted to manage affairs as friends, sharers in innocent blood, and has engulfed them in disasters beyond remedy,

6having misjudged the sincere goodwill of those in power by the false reasoning of malice.

7But consider whether it is possible, not so much from the earlier histories that we have handed down as from the things lying at your feet, while you investigate, to discern how many lawless deeds have been accomplished by the pestilence of those who rule unworthily.

8and to look ahead to what comes after these things, so as to grant the kingdom, undisturbed, to all people in peace,

9making use of changes, and always judging the things that come before our eyes with a more gracious response.

10For Haman son of Hammedatha, a Macedonian, being alien to the true Persian blood and far removed from our goodwill, though he had been received by us as a guest,

11We have attained such goodwill toward every nation that he is proclaimed our father and is honored by all, continuing as the second person to the royal throne.

12But, unable to bear his arrogance, he made it his aim to deprive us of both our position and our life.

13having sought, by devious schemes of deceit, the destruction of Mordecai, our savior and continual benefactor, and Esther, the blameless partner of the kingdom, together with all their nation.

14For by these methods he thought that, once he had made us desolate, he would transfer the rule of the Persians to the Macedonians.

15But we find that the Jews, who have been handed over to destruction by that thrice-accursed man, are not criminals, but are governed by most righteous laws,

16being sons of the Most High, greatest, living God, who directs the kingdom for us and for our forefathers in the best order.

17Therefore you will do well not to make use of the letters sent out by Haman son of Hammedatha,

18because the very man who had brought about these things was crucified at the gate of Susa with his whole household, since God, who rules over all, swiftly repaid him with the punishment he deserved,

19And after posting a copy of this letter in every place openly, to permit the Jews to make use of their own laws,

20and to strengthen them, so that they might defend themselves against those who attacked them in the time of distress, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, on that same day.

21For God, who rules over all, has made this a joy for them instead of the destruction of the chosen race,

22And so you also, on your appointed festivals, keep a notable day with every kind of feasting,

23so that both now and after these things there may be deliverance for us and for the Persians who are well-disposed toward us, but for those plotting against us, a memorial of destruction.

24But every city or region as a whole that does not act according to these orders will be consumed with spear and fire in wrath; it will be made not only impassable to men, but also most hateful to wild animals and birds for all time.