Esther 1:1-9
Christian Standard Bible
Vashti Angers the King
1 These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus,(A) who ruled 127 provinces(B) from India to Cush. 2 In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne(C) in the fortress at Susa.(D) 3 He held a feast(E) in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media,(F) the nobles,(G) and the officials from the provinces. 4 He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness(H) for a total of 180 days.
5 At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet(I) in the garden courtyard(J) of the royal palace(K) for all the people, from the greatest to the least,(L) who were present in the fortress of Susa.(M) 6 White and blue linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble[a] columns. Gold and silver couches(N) were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar,[b] marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.
7 Drinks were served in an array of gold goblets,(O) each with a different design. Royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty.(P) 8 The drinking was according to royal decree: “There are no restrictions.” The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve whatever each person wanted. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus’s palace.
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