&#8220;The <sc>Lordsc> who rules over all says, &#8216;The fast of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth<n id="1" /> months will become joyful and happy, pleasant feasts for the house of Judah, so love truth and peace.&#8217;

Throughout each and every province where the king&#8217;s edict and law were announced<n id="1" /> there was considerable<n id="2" /> mourning among the Jews, along with fasting, weeping, and sorrow.<n id="3" /> Sackcloth and ashes were characteristic<n id="4" /> of many.