11 The king’s edict gave the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate every ethnic and provincial army hostile to them, including women and children, and to take their possessions as spoils of war.(A) 12 This would take place on a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar.(B)

13 A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples(C) so the Jews could be ready to avenge themselves against their enemies on that day.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Ultrathin Reference Bible, Brown LeatherTouch, Thumb-Indexed
CSB Ultrathin Reference Bible, Brown LeatherTouch, Thumb-Indexed
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $17.99
Save: $17.00 (49%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB She Reads Truth Bible, Hardcover
CSB She Reads Truth Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $22.99
Save: $17.00 (43%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Study Bible, Brown Genuine Leather
CSB Study Bible, Brown Genuine Leather
Retail: $89.99
Our Price: $56.99
Save: $33.00 (37%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $6.00 (46%)
CSB She Reads Truth Bible--soft leather-look, rose gold (indexed)
CSB She Reads Truth Bible--soft leather-look, rose gold (indexed)
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $41.99
Save: $18.00 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars