Vashti Angers the King

These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus,(A) who ruled 127 provinces(B) from India to Cush. In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne(C) in the fortress at Susa.(D) 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. He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness(H) for a total of 180 days.

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) 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.

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) 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. Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus’s palace.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:6 Or alabaster
  2. 1:6 Or of porphyry

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