Esther 1:1-9
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.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Esther 1:1 = Xerxes; he reigned 486-465 b.c.
- Esther 1:1 = modern Pakistan
- Esther 1:6 Or alabaster
- Esther 1:6 Or of porphyry
- Esther 1:6 Or alabaster
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