The Bible, Douay Rheims, Book 19: Esther
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Unknown >> The Bible, Douay Rheims, Book 19: Esther
16:14. Thinking that after they were slain, he might work treason
against us left alone without friends, and might transfer the kingdom of
the Persians to the Macedonians.
16:15. But we have found that the Jews, who were by that most wicked man
appointed to be slain, are in no fault at all, but contrariwise, use
just laws,
16:16. And are the children of the highest and the greatest, and the
ever living God, by whose benefit the kingdom was given both to our
fathers and to us, and is kept unto this day.
16:17. Wherefore know ye that those letters which he sent in our name,
are void and of no effect.
16:18. For which crime both he himself that devised it, and all his
kindred hang on gibbets, before the gates of this city Susan: not we,
but God repaying him as he deserved.
16:19. But this edict, which we now send, shall be published in all
cities, that the Jews may freely follow their own laws.
16:20. And you shall aid them that they may kill those who had prepared
themselves to kill them, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month,
which is called Adar.
16:21. For the almighty God hath turned this day of sadness and mourning
into joy to them.
16:22. Wherefore you shall also count this day among other festival
days, and celebrate it with all joy, that it may be known also in times
to come,
16:23. That all they who faithfully obey the Persians, receive a worthy
reward for their fidelity: but they that are traitors to their kingdom,
are destroyed for their wickedness.
16:24. And let every province and city, that will not be partaker of
this solemnity, perish by the sword and by fire, and be destroyed in
such manner as to be made unpassable, both to men and beasts, for an
example of contempt, and disobedience.
