12 Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you have returned to us at Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and evil city, finishing its walls, and repairing its foundations. 13 Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are finished,(A) they will not pay tribute, duty, or land tax,(B) and the royal revenue[a] will suffer. 14 Since we have taken an oath of loyalty to the king,[b] and it is not right for us to witness his dishonor, we have sent to inform the king 15 that a search should be made in your fathers’ record books.(C) In these record books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces. There have been revolts in it since ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. 16 We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are finished, you will not have any possession west of the Euphrates.

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 4:13 Aram obscure
  2. Ezra 4:14 Lit have eaten the salt of the palace

Then Haman informed King Ahasuerus, “There is one ethnic group, scattered throughout the peoples in every province of your kingdom,(A) yet living in isolation. Their laws are different from everyone else’s and they do not obey the king’s laws.(B) It is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.(C) If the king approves, let an order be drawn up authorizing their destruction, and I will pay 375 tons of silver to[a] the accountants for deposit in the royal treasury.”(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Esther 3:9 Lit will weigh 10,000 silver talents on the hands of

12 So they approached the king(A) and asked about his edict: “Didn’t you sign an edict that for 30 days any man who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “As a law of the Medes and Persians, the order stands and is irrevocable.”(B)

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24 The king then gave the command, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel[a](A) were brought and thrown into the lions’ den—they, their children, and their wives.(B) They had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

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Footnotes

  1. Daniel 6:24 Lit had eaten his pieces

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