So God treated the midwives well, and the people multiplied and became very strong.

Jethro rejoiced because of all the good that the Lord had done for Israel, whom he had delivered from the hand of Egypt.

“Whoever kidnaps someone and sells him, or is caught still holding him, must surely be put to death.

And he has put it in his heart to teach, he and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

Indeed, I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

There you will worship gods made by human hands – wood and stone that can neither see, hear, eat, nor smell.

If you think, “These nations are more numerous than I – how can I dispossess them?”

The Lord raised up leaders who delivered them from these robbers.

This is why the Lord permitted these nations to remain and did not conquer them immediately; he did not hand them over to Joshua.

Elisha said, “Get me a new jar and put some salt in it.” So they got it.

This is what the king says: ‘Don’t let Hezekiah mislead you, for he is not able to rescue you from my hand!

Though Judah was the strongest among his brothers and a leader descended from him, the right of the firstborn belonged to Joseph.)

Solomon son of David solidified his royal authority, for the Lord his God was with him and magnified him greatly.

Asa prayed to the Lord his God: “O Lord, there is no one but you who can help the weak when they are vastly outnumbered. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you and have marched on your behalf against this huge army. O Lord our God, don’t let men prevail against you!”

So Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim.

He is wise in heart and mighty in strength – who has resisted him and remained safe?

although you know that I am not guilty, and that there is no one who can deliver out of your hand?

God abandons me to evil men, and throws me into the hands of wicked men.

You have become cruel to me; with the strength of your hand you attack me.

For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless.