2aThe Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm; and no one could stand before them, bfor the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples.
b
Esther 8:17
Esther 8
17
In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a aholiday. And bmany among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.