But he disdainedto layhandson Mordecaialone,for they had toldhim [who] the peopleof Mordecai[were]; therefore Hamansoughtto destroyallthe Jews,the peopleof Mordecai,who[were] throughout the wholekingdomof Ahasuerus.
Now in the reignof Ahasuerus,in the beginningof his reign,they wrotean accusationagainstthe inhabitantsof Judahand Jerusalem.
But when it cameto the king'sattention,he commandedby letterthat his wickedschemewhichhe had devisedagainstthe Jews,should returnon his own headand that he and his sonsshould be hangedon the gallows.
They have said,"Come,and let us wipethem out as a nation,That the nameof Israelbe rememberednomore."
For they have conspiredtogetherwith one mind;AgainstYou they makea covenant:
"Have you not observedwhatthispeoplehave spoken,saying,The twofamilieswhichthe LORDchose,He has rejectedthem'? Thus they despiseMy people,nolongerare they as a nationin their sight.
"For thisreason,rejoice,O heavensand you who dwellin them. Woeto the earthand the sea,becausethe devilhas come downto you, havinggreatwrath,knowingthat he has[only] a shorttime."
