10 Then King Ahasuerus imposed a tax on everyone throughout his empire, including those on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. 2 Everything he accomplished through his power and strength is written down in the royal records of the kings of Media and Persia, as well as the complete account of the high position to which the king promoted Mordekai. 3 Mordekai the Jew was second-in-command to the king Ahasuerus, and a leader among the Jews. He was popular with most of his own people, seeking good for them and teaching all his descendants how to live in peace.