When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be closed. I further directed that they were not to be opened until after the Sabbath. I positioned some of my young men at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day.

So the king and Haman came to dine with Queen Esther.

Look, you have instructed many; you have strengthened feeble hands.

“Now a word was secretly brought to me, and my ear caught a whisper of it.

The caravans of Tema looked intently for these streams; the traveling merchants of Sheba hoped for them.

Is there any falsehood on my lips? Can my mouth not discern evil things?

It wraps its roots around a heap of stones and it looks for a place among stones.

Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

What you know, I know also; I am not inferior to you!

See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right.

They allow their children to run like a flock; their little ones dance about.

“And now I have become their taunt song; I have become a byword among them.

Then he gives a revelation to people, and terrifies them with warnings,

He draws up drops of water; they distill the rain into its mist,

when the dust hardens into a mass, and the clumps of earth stick together?

For God deprived her of wisdom, and did not impart understanding to her.

I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me.

I am absolutely terrified, and you, Lord – how long will this continue?

You are holy; you sit as king receiving the praises of Israel.

I do not associate with deceitful men, or consort with those who are dishonest.