The Denver Jewish news., 1925-04-02
THE MEGlLLAH'
To lie Read Aloud on Purim Night to
Young and Old
by SAMUEL SCIIAFFER
tCdntinuutionl

Then were lclttfs sent ny post ll'o
all the kings provinces to destroy, TO
slny, and to cause to perish all Jews,
both Young and old. little children and
women, in one day, even upon the
thirteenth day Of the twelve month,
which is the month Adar, and TO take
the spoil of them for prey.
Now when Mordccai knew all that
was done he put on clothes Of mourning
and grief. And in every province
whithersoever the kings commandment
and his decree came, there was great
mourning among the Jews, and fasting
and weeping and wailing.
And when the news came to Esther
she was exceedingly panied, and she
sent her chamberlain whom the king
had appointed to wait on her, to learn
all the story. And he went forth into
the city and knew all that had hap
pcncd. and of the exact sum of the
money that Hamnn had promised to
pay into the kings treasury for the
Jews to destroy them. Then was
Esther sore grieved for her people, for
though she had been queen for many
years she had not forgotten that she
was Jewess and her heart was heavy
within her. And she knew not what
to do, and she sorrowed greatly there
fore. Then did the Lord God come to
aid her and give her inspiration, and
she ordered her chamberlain to bring
Mordecai before her so that she might
speak with him. And while she await
ed him she prayed to her God for wis
dom and strength for her great trial.
And Mordccai was brought to his
cousin Esther, that was queen. And
this was the first they had seen each
other since she had left his house.
Now Esther besought Mordecai for
advice and guidance, and she said TO
him How may our people be savedT"
And he answered her, go thou boldly
before the king, and make supplication
unto him for thy people" And Esther
made answer "all the kings servants
and the people of the kings provinces
do know that whCsoever shall come be-
fore the king who is not called, there
is for him one law, that he be put to
death. except such to whom the king
may hold ont the golden sccptcr that
l.. lfVA Int I lt14 ttAt
called TO come unto the kings house
these thirty days"
Then did Mordecai say think not
that thou shalt escape, even though
thou bcest in the kings house. But
the Lord has called thee to this high
estate for this-that thou shalt be un-
afraid, and trusting ever in Him, be
the saviour Of thy people
And now at this moment did Esther
change from the simple maiden. albeit
a queen, into the noble woman-rr-
dcemer Of her pcople-a lender In
israel For she did make answer unto
MOrdccai go gather together all the
Jews that are present in Shushan and
pray yc for me, and | and my maidenS
will do in Ike manner; and so will |
20 in unto the king, and if ! perish,
perish, For Life is as naught without
Faith and my God viii keep me safe"
Then did Esther forthwith put on
the royal crown and come before the
king. And when the king saw Esther
the queen before him, he held out to
Esther the golden sccpter that was in
his hand So Esther drew nearer and
touched the top of the Scopter. Then
said the king unto her what wilt thou
Queen Esther? For whatever thy re
quest, even to the half of the king
dom. it shall he given 10 thee" And
Esther said, "if it seem good unto the
king. let the king and Haman come
this next day unto the banquet that l
have prepared for him" And the king
said unto Humnn who stood ever mt his
right hand, make thou haste that it
may be done aS Esther has said"
Then went lIaman forth that day
joyful and glad Of heart but when
IIaman saw Mordccai in the kings gate
that bowed not down nor moved for
him Haman was filled with wrath
against MOrdccai. Nevertheless Ha-
man rcfraiucd himself and went home
Then Hannah told unto his wife