18 But the Jews in Susa had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. They rested on the fifteenth day of the month, and it became a day of feasting and rejoicing.(A) 19 This explains why the rural Jews who live in villages observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a time of rejoicing and feasting. It is a holiday when they send gifts to one another.(B)

20 Mordecai(C) recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all of King Ahasuerus’s provinces, both near and far.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Experiencing God Bible--LeatherTouch, burgundy  (indexed)
CSB Experiencing God Bible--LeatherTouch, burgundy (indexed)
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $36.49
Save: $43.50 (54%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--hardcover
CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--hardcover
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $16.00 (46%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
CSB Church Bible (Value Pew Bible) Black
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $6.00 (46%)
CSB She Reads Truth Bible--soft leather-look, rose gold (indexed)
CSB She Reads Truth Bible--soft leather-look, rose gold (indexed)
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $41.99
Save: $18.00 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Gift & Award Bible--imitation leather, black
CSB Gift & Award Bible--imitation leather, black
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.29
Save: $1.70 (21%)