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[229]
Accordingly, Mordecai did as Esther had enjoined him, and made the
people fast; and he besought God, together with them, not to overlook his
nation, particularly at this time, when it was going to be destroyed; but
that, as he had often before provided for them, and forgiven, when they
had sinned, so he would now deliver them from that destruction which was
denounced against them; for although it was not all the nation that had
offended, yet must they so ingloriously be slain, and that he was himself
the occasion of the wrath of Haman, "Because," said he, "I
did not worship him, nor could I endure to pay that honor to him which
I used to pay to thee, O Lord; for upon that his anger hath he contrived
this present mischief against those that have not transgressed thy laws."
The same supplications did the multitude put up, and entreated that God
would provide for their deliverance, and free the Israelites that were
in all the earth from this calamity which was now coming upon them, for
they had it before their eyes, and expected its coming. Accordingly, Esther
made supplication to God after the manner of her country, by casting herself
down upon the earth, and putting on her mourning garments, and bidding
farewell to meat and drink, and all delicacies, for three days' time; and
she entreated God to have mercy upon her, and make her words appear persuasive
to the king, and render her countenance more beautiful than it was before,
that both by her words and beauty she might succeed, for the averting of
the king's anger, in case he were at all irritated against her, and for
the consolation of those of her own country, now they were in the utmost
danger of perishing; as also that he would excite a hatred in the king
against the enemies of the Jews, and those that had contrived their future
destruction, if they proved to be contemned by him.
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