Solomon went to Hamath Zobah and seized it.

Let the king also be aware that if this city is built and its walls are completed, no more tax, custom, or toll will be paid, and the royal treasury will suffer loss.

When Esther’s female attendants and her eunuchs came and informed her about Mordecai’s behavior, the queen was overcome with anguish. Although she sent garments for Mordecai to put on so that he could remove his sackcloth, he would not accept them.

He leads priests away stripped and overthrows the potentates.

Does God listen to his cry when distress overtakes him?

With all my strength I will say, “O Lord, who can compare to you? You rescue the oppressed from those who try to overpower them; the oppressed and needy from those who try to rob them.”

For look, the kings assemble; they advance together.

When I am afraid, I trust in you.

They believed his promises; they sang praises to him.

They sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons.

They were hungry and thirsty; they fainted from exhaustion.

Let Israel say, “Yes, his loyal love endures!”

You deserve praise, O Lord! Teach me your statutes!

Look! Israel’s protector does not sleep or slumber!

May the godly strike me in love and correct me! May my head not refuse choice oil! Indeed, my prayer is a witness against their evil deeds.

you mountains and all you hills, you fruit trees and all you cedars,

you animals and all you cattle, you creeping things and birds,

My child, if sinners try to entice you, do not consent!

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows,