Esther 3:12–15

12 aThen the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and it was written just as Haman commanded to bthe king’s satraps, to the governors who were over each province and to the princes of each people, each province according to its script, each people according to its language, being written cin the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s signet ring.

13 Letters were sent by acouriers to all the king’s provinces bto destroy, to kill and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, women and children, cin one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to dseize their possessions as plunder.

14 aA copy of the edict to be 1issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day.

15 The couriers went out impelled by the king’s command while the decree was 1issued at the citadel in Susa; and while the king and Haman sat down to drink, athe city of Susa was in confusion.