Restored English Translation of Esther: Chapter 13

Today, I present my Restored English Translation (RET) on the 13th chapter of the Megillat Ester, otherwise known as the Book of Esther.  As usual, it contains the Hebrew names, with a glossary of them at the end.

You WON’T find most of this chapter in most Protestant, Jewish or Messianic Bibles; it’s in the earliest manuscripts & manuscript traditions of Esther in existence – all evidence points towards its authenticity – but it was rejected by Rabbinic Judaism (the continuation of the Pharisees) in the centuries after Christ (for some obscure reason) and excluded from the (rather late) Masoretic Text, and for that reason rejected by modern Protestantism and its offshoots.  See Restored English Translation of Esther: Chapter 1 and The Canon of Scripture, Part 1: The Apocrypha.

CHAPTER 13

1 “The great king Achashverosh to the princes and governors of the 127 provinces from Hodu to Kush, and to all our faithful subjects, greeting. 2 Many people, the more often they are honoured with the great bounty of their gracious princes, the more proud they become, 3 and endeavour to hurt not only our subjects, but not being able to bear abundance, do take in hand to practise also against those that do them good; 4 and take not only thankfulness away from among men, but also lifted up with the glorious words of lewd persons, that were never good, they think to escape the justice of ELOHIM, who sees all things and hate evil. 5 And often many of those who are set in places of authority have been made in part responsible for the shedding of innocent blood, and have been involved in irremediable calamities, by the persuasion of friends who have been entrusted with the administration of public affairs; 6 beguiling with the falsehood and deceit of their lewd disposition the innocency and goodness of kings. 7 Now you may see this, as we have declared, not so much by ancient histories, as you may, if you search what has been wickedly done of late through the pestilent behaviour of them that are unworthily placed in authority. 8 And we must take care for the time to come, that our kingdom may be quiet and peaceable for all men, 9 both by changing our purposes, and always judging things that are evident with more equal proceeding. 10 For Haman, a Macedonian, the son of Hammedata, being indeed a stranger from the Parsi blood, and far distant from our goodness, and as a stranger received of us, 11 had so far obtained the favour that we show toward every nation, as that he was called our father, and was continually honoured of all the next person to the king. 12 But he, not bearing his great dignity, went about to deprive us of our kingdom and life, 13 and with intricate craft and deceit asked for the destruction of Mordekai, our savior and perpetual benefactor, and of Ester, the blameless partner of our kingdom, together with their whole nation. 14 For by these means he thought, finding us destitute of friends, to have translated the kingdom of the Parsim to the Macedonians. 15 But we find that the Yehudim, whom this wicked wretch has delivered to utter destruction, are no evildoers, but live by most just laws, 16 and that they be children of the Most High and Most Mighty living ELOHIM, Who has ordered the kingdom both to us and to our progenitors in the most excellent manner. 17 For this reason you will do well not to put in execution the letters sent to you by Haman the son of Hammedata. 18 For he who was the worker of these things, is hanged at the gates of Shushan with all his family, ELOHIM, Who rules all things, speedily rendering vengeance to him according to his deserts. 19 Therefore you will publish the copy of this letter in all places, that the Yehudim may freely live after their own Torot. 20 And you will aid them, that even the same day, being the 13th day of the 12th month Adar, they may be avenged on them, who in the time of their affliction will set upon them. 21 For EL SHADDAI has turned to joy for them the day in which the chosen people should have perished. 22 You will therefore keep it as a high day among your solemn feasts with all feasting, 23 that both now and after this there may be safety to us and the well affected Parsim; but to those who do conspire against us a memorial of destruction. 24 Therefore every city and country which will not do according to these things will be destroyed without mercy with fire and sword, and will be made not only unpassable for men, but also most hateful to wild beasts and birds forever.” 25 The copy of the writing for a royal edict to be given in every individual province was revealed to all the peoples, and that the Yehudim should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 26 So the runners who rode on animals and mules went out, being hurried and pressed on by the King’s command. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace. 27 And Mordekai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple. And the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 28 For the Yehudim it was light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. 29 And in every province, and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, the Yehudim had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Yehudim, for the fear of the Yehudim fell upon them.

Glossary

Achashverosh – Ahasuerus

Hodu – India

Kush – Cush/Ethiopia

ELOHIM – God(s)

Hammedata – Hammedatha

Parsi – Persian

Mordekai – Mordecai

Ester – Esther

Parsim – Persians

Yehudim – Jews

Shushan – Susa

Torot – Torahs, Laws, Instructions

EL SHADDAI – God Almighty