17-18 The king fell in love with Esther far more than with any of his other women or any of the other virgins—he was totally smitten by her. He placed a royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. Then the king gave a great banquet for all his nobles and officials—“Esther’s Banquet.” He proclaimed a holiday for all the provinces and handed out gifts with royal generosity.

* * *

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message The Book of Proverbs
The Message The Book of Proverbs
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.22
Save: $1.77 (35%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message//REMIX - eBook
The Message//REMIX - eBook
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $10.82
Save: $4.17 (28%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
Retail: $149.99
Our Price: $149.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.29
Save: $5.70 (57%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Brown/Saddle Tan Leather-Look
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $16.24
Save: $8.75 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Women's Devotional Bible--hardcover
The Message Women's Devotional Bible--hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)