Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

After these things, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, giving him a prominent position above all the princes who served with him.

All the king's servants in the palace gate bowed down and showed respect to Haman, just as the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow or show reverence to Haman, even though he was warned daily by his colleagues that it would be wise to comply.

The king's servants asked Mordecai why he disobeyed the king's command, but he refused to listen. They then informed Haman about this, telling him that Mordecai had identified himself as a Jew. When Haman discovered that Mordecai wouldn't bow down or show him respect, he became enraged.

Haman didn't think it worth his while to attack Mordecai alone, since he knew the king was aware of Mordecai's people. Therefore, Haman sought to destroy all Jews throughout the kingdom of Ahasuerus – including those from Mordecai's own community.

In the first month, which is Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus' reign, they cast lots daily and monthly until the twelfth month, Adar. It was a period of time marked by chance and fate.

Haman presented his proposal to the king: "There's a certain people scattered throughout your kingdom, dispersed among all the provinces, with laws that differ from everyone else. They don't follow your laws either, so it would be for the king's own benefit if they were eliminated." Haman offered to pay ten thousand talents of silver into the king's treasury in exchange for permission to carry out this plan.

The king took his signet ring from Haman and handed it back to him. This gave Haman authority to do with the Jews as he pleased, since the king had already granted him the power to act on their behalf.

Then, on the thirteenth day of the first month, the king's scribes were summoned to write letters according to everything Haman had commanded. These letters were sent to all the provinces, instructing the lieutenants and governors in each region to destroy, kill, and annihilate all Jews – both young and old, including women and children – on a single day.

The decree was given to be put into effect on the thirteenth day of Adar, with copies of the writing distributed throughout every province. The people were ordered to prepare themselves for that day.

Meanwhile, messengers hastened across the kingdom, carrying out the king's orders. In Shushan, the royal palace was in chaos as the news spread.

The king and Haman sat down to enjoy a meal, but amidst their festivities, the city of Shushan was thrown into turmoil by this devastating decree.