The couriers went forth in haste by the king's mitzvah, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
Mordekhai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad.
Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Beit-Lechem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men.
The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, *The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Messiah. He will reign forever and ever!*