Esther 1:1-12

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Vashti Angers the King

1 These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus,^[a](A) who ruled 127 provinces^(B) from India^[b] 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 violet linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble^[c] columns. Gold and silver couches^(N) were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar,^[d] marble,^[e] mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

⁷ Beverages 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} and no restraint was placed on the drinking. The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve as much as each person wanted. ⁹ Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus’s palace.

¹⁰ On the seventh day, when the king was feeling good from the wine,^(Q) Ahasuerus commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona,^(R) Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas, the seven eunuchs^(S) who personally served him, ¹¹ to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful.^{(T) 12} But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command that was delivered by his eunuchs. The king became furious and his anger burned within him.^(U)