17. This happened on the 13th day of the month Adar. On the 14th day the Jews rested and made that day a happy day of feasting.
18. The Jews in Susa had met together on the 13th and 14th days of the month of Adar. And then on the 15th day they rested. So they made the 15th day a happy day of feasting.
19. So those who live in the country and small villages celebrate Purim on the 14th day of Adar. They keep the 14th day as a happy day of feasting. On this day they have parties and give presents to each other.
20. Mordecai wrote everything down that had happened, and then he sent letters to all the Jews in all of King Xerxes’ provinces. He sent letters far and near.
21. He did this to tell the Jews to celebrate Purim every year on the 14th and 15th days of the month of Adar.