Tell the nations about his splendor, tell ¹  all the nations about his miraculous deeds!

“My days ¹  are swifter than a runner, ²  they speed by without seeing happiness.

in whose hand ¹  is the life ²  of every creature and the breath of all the human race. ³ 

“Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?

And he said to mankind, ‘The fear of the Lord ¹  – that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” ² 

Your wickedness affects only ¹  a person like yourself, and your righteousness only other people. ² 

Of what importance is the human race, ¹  that you should notice ²  them? Of what importance is mankind, ³  that you should pay attention to them, ⁴ 

O Lord, of what importance is the human race, ¹  that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, ²  that you should be concerned about them? ³ 

Men bow down to them in homage, they lie flat on the ground in worship. ¹  Don’t spare them! ² 

who led them through the deep water? Like a horse running on flat land ¹  they did not stumble.

For the Lord judges all humanity ¹  with fire and his sword; the Lord will kill many. ² 

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

So then, ¹  it does not depend on human desire or exertion, ²  but on God who shows mercy.

And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.” ¹ 

with this goal in mind, ¹  I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God ²  in Christ Jesus.

For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature ¹  is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. ² 

You have appointed ¹  them ²  as a kingdom and priests ³  to serve ⁴  our God, and they will reign ⁵  on the earth.”

Then ¹  they ²  told me: “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, ³  languages, and kings.”

Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. He was the highest-ranking ¹  Jew, and he was admired by his numerous relatives. ²  He worked enthusiastically ³  for the good of his people and was an advocate for the welfare of ⁴  all his descendants. ⁵ 

To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving ¹  him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. ²  His kingdom will not be destroyed. ³