² in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa. ³ In the third year of his reign, he prepared a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces were before him.

⁴ He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury of his greatness for many days, one hundred and eighty days.