For the Jewsthere was lightand gladnessand joyand honor.
"Go,assembleallthe Jewswho are foundin Susa,and fastfor me; do not eator drinkfor threedays,nightor day.I and my maidensalsowill fastin the sameway.And thusI will goin to the king,whichis not according to the law;and ifI perish,I perish."
[This was done] on the thirteenthdayof the monthAdar,and on the fourteenthday they restedand madeit a dayof feastingand rejoicing.
Lightarisesin the darknessfor the upright;[He is] graciousand compassionateand righteous.
The LORDis God,and He has givenus light;Bindthe festivalsacrificewith cordsto the hornsof the altar.
For You lightmy lamp;The LORDmy Godilluminesmy darkness.
That [my] soulmay singpraiseto You and not be silent.O LORDmy God,I will givethanksto You forever.
Lightis sown[like seed] for the righteousAnd gladnessfor the uprightin heart.
When it goes wellwith the righteous,the cityrejoices,And when the wickedperish,there is joyfulshouting.
When the righteoustriumph,there is greatglory,But when the wickedrise,menhidethemselves.
And the ransomedof the LORDwill returnAnd comewith joyfulshoutingto Zion,With everlastingjoyupon their heads.They will findgladnessand joy,And sorrowand sighingwill fleeaway.
