In Susa the citadel the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men.

The leaders will not be able to run away and hide. The shepherds of the flocks will not be able to escape.

Ahab’s entire family will die. I will cut off every last male belonging to Ahab in Israel, including even the weak and incapacitated.

My enemies ask this cruel question about me, ‘When will he finally die and be forgotten?’

Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.

But I will completely uproot and destroy any of those nations that will not pay heed,’” says the Lord.

Fast runners will find no place to hide; strong men will have no strength left; warriors will not be able to save their lives.

The destroyer will come against every town. Not one town will escape. The towns in the valley will be destroyed. The cities on the high plain will be laid waste. I, the Lord, have spoken!

For the Lord is ready to destroy Babylon, and put an end to her loud noise. Their waves will roar like turbulent waters. They will make a deafening noise.

“Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel, ‘The days pass slowly, and every vision fails’?

Ashkelon will see and be afraid; Gaza will be in great anguish, as will Ekron, for her hope will have been dried up. Gaza will lose her king, and Ashkelon will no longer be inhabited.

Then the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman! What then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? What is your request? It shall be given to you. What other petition do you have? It shall be done.”