Esther 3:12–15

12 oThen were the king’s ||scribes called on the thirteenth day of the pfirst month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s qlieutenants, and to the rgovernors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of severy province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; tin the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. 13 And the letters were sent uby posts into all the king’s provinces, vto destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, win one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month kAdar, and xto take the spoil of them for a prey. 14 yThe copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 15 uThe posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but zthe city Shushan was perplexed.