The Jews met together in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes. They met together so they would be strong enough to attack the people that wanted to destroy them. So no one was strong enough to stand against them. Those people were afraid of the Jews.
I hope that all my enemies will be ashamed and embarrassed.\par Those people were happy when bad things happened to me.\par They thought they were better than me!\par So let those people be covered with shame and humiliation.\par
Some people are trying to kill me.\par Disappoint them\par and make them ashamed.\par Make them turn and run away.\par Those people are planning to hurt me.\par \{Defeat them and\} embarrass them.\par
But the Lord is with me.\par The Lord is like a strong soldier.\par So the people that are chasing me will fall.\par Those people will not defeat me.\par Those people will fail.\par They will be disappointed.\par Those people will be ashamed.\par And people will never forget that shame.\par
Young men, I have something to say to you, too. You should accept the authority of the elders. {\cf2\super [32]} All of you should be very humble with each other.