Esther 1:7

KJV

And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gave them drink {H8248} in vessels {H3627} of gold {H2091},(the vessels {H3627} being diverse {H8138} one from another {H3627},) and royal {H4438} wine {H3196} in abundance {H7227}, according to the state {H3027} of the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Drinks were served in gold goblets, with each goblet different from the others. There was royal wine in abundance, as befits royal bounty.

Berean Standard Bible

Beverages were served in an array of goblets of gold, each with a different design, and the royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty.

American Standard Version

And they gave them drink in vessels of gold (the vessels being diverse one from another), and royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 1:7 provides a vivid snapshot of the unparalleled opulence and extravagant display of power by King Ahasuerus during his grand feast in Susa, the Persian capital. This verse meticulously details the lavish provisions—golden vessels of unique design and an unrestrained flow of royal wine—all meticulously calibrated to reflect the king's supreme majesty and boundless wealth. It sets an immediate tone of human grandeur and excess, establishing the magnificent, yet ultimately fleeting, backdrop against which the divine hand will subtly operate throughout the unfolding narrative of the Book of Esther.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 1:7 is embedded within the opening narrative of the Book of Esther, specifically describing the culmination of King Ahasuerus's immense, multi-stage feast. Preceding this verse, Esther 1:3-4 details a 180-day display of his kingdom's riches and majesty for his officials, followed by a seven-day banquet for all the people in the citadel of Susa (Esther 1:5). Verse 7, therefore, elaborates on the specific provisions of this final, most public phase of the celebration. It immediately precedes the king's command for Queen Vashti to appear, setting the stage for her defiance and subsequent removal, which directly opens the path for Esther's ascent to the throne. The extreme luxury described here underscores the king's sense of absolute authority and entitlement, which will soon be challenged by Vashti's refusal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahasuerus is widely identified with Xerxes I, who ruled the vast Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. The capital city of Susa was one of the empire's key administrative centers, known for its magnificent palace complex. In ancient Near Eastern empires, particularly Persia, grand banquets served far more than social functions; they were crucial political and diplomatic events. Such feasts were meticulously orchestrated demonstrations of imperial power, wealth, and hospitality, designed to impress foreign dignitaries, solidify loyalty among nobles, and assert dominance over conquered territories. The scale and duration of Ahasuerus's feast, as described in Esther 1, were not merely for enjoyment but were calculated displays of his "state" or royal status, reinforcing his authority across his immense dominion that stretched from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Book of Esther. Firstly, it establishes the theme of **unrivaled opulence and human grandeur**. The sheer extravagance of the golden vessels and abundant royal wine highlights the boundless wealth and resources at the king's disposal, setting a scene of almost unimaginable luxury. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **absolute monarchical power and pride**. The feast is a deliberate projection of Ahasuerus's "state," his supreme authority and control over his vast empire. This human display of power, however, subtly contrasts with the underlying theme of **divine sovereignty**, which, though unmentioned directly in the book, is implicitly at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events even when human rulers believe themselves to be in full control. The king's actions, driven by this pride and excess, will ultimately serve God's purposes, echoing the truth that "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes" as found in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord's Control Over Kings' Hearts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Diverse one from another (Hebrew, _shenim v'shenim'_):** This phrase literally means "two by two" or "in pairs," but in this context, it conveys the idea of variety and uniqueness. It suggests that each golden vessel was distinct in its design, shape, or ornamentation, rather than being part of a uniform set. This detail amplifies the king's wealth, indicating not just a vast quantity of gold but an extraordinary collection of individually crafted, precious items, showcasing an even greater level of luxury and personal taste.
* **Royal wine (Hebrew, _yayin malchut'_):** This term denotes wine of the highest quality, reserved exclusively for the king's table and his most distinguished guests. The addition of "in abundance" (Hebrew, _rav_) emphasizes that this premium wine was served without measure or restriction, highlighting a culture of unrestrained indulgence and lavish hospitality, where resources seemed limitless and no expense was spared.
* **According to the state of the king (Hebrew, _k'yad hammelekh'_):** Literally translating to "according to the hand of the king," this idiomatic expression signifies "in a manner worthy of the king," "befitting the king's dignity," or "as befitted a king." It underscores that the generosity, splendor, and overall provision of the feast were precisely calibrated to reflect King Ahasuerus's supreme status, boundless wealth, and absolute power. It was a deliberate and public declaration of his imperial grandeur.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold":** This opening clause immediately establishes the extraordinary luxury of the feast. The use of "vessels of gold" for drinking, rather than more common materials, signifies immense wealth and status. Gold was the most precious metal in the ancient world, reserved for royalty, temples, and the elite, making this detail a powerful indicator of the king's unparalleled riches.
* **"(the vessels being diverse one from another,)":** This parenthetical detail further intensifies the portrayal of opulence. It implies that the golden drinking vessels were not a mass-produced set but a collection of unique, perhaps artistically crafted, pieces. This uniqueness speaks to an even greater level of extravagance, suggesting a vast and varied treasury, accumulated over time, rather than merely a large quantity of precious metal.
* **"and royal wine in abundance":** Beyond the luxurious vessels, the quality and quantity of the beverage are highlighted. "Royal wine" denotes the finest vintage, fit for a king and his most honored guests. The phrase "in abundance" (or "without stint") indicates that this high-quality wine was served without measure or restriction, reflecting limitless resources and a culture of unrestrained indulgence and generosity on a grand scale.
* **"according to the state of the king.":** This concluding phrase serves as a summary statement, emphasizing that every aspect of the feast—from the golden vessels to the abundant royal wine—was meticulously designed to reflect and reinforce the supreme majesty, authority, and boundless wealth of King Ahasuerus. It was a public and theatrical projection of imperial grandeur, showcasing the king's absolute power and demonstrating that he spared no expense in upholding his royal dignity.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 1:7 employs several literary devices to achieve its powerful effect. **Hyperbole** is evident in the exaggerated description of the feast's lavishness, with "vessels of gold," "diverse" designs, and "royal wine in abundance" painting a picture of almost unbelievable excess, serving to magnify the king's power. **Symbolism** is also at play, where gold and royal wine symbolize not just wealth and luxury, but also the king's absolute authority, his earthly glory, and the transient nature of human power. The unique, "diverse" vessels can also be seen as a symbol of the king's vast and eclectic dominion. Furthermore, the scene subtly employs **foreshadowing**. This initial display of human pride and unrestrained power, centered around the king's "state," implicitly foreshadows the subsequent events where this very pride leads to Vashti's downfall and sets the stage for the dramatic interplay between human will and divine providence that characterizes the rest of the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 1:7, with its vivid portrayal of King Ahasuerus's boundless wealth and power, serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of earthly kingdoms and human pride. While the king believes himself to be in absolute control, displaying his "state" for all to see, the narrative subtly contrasts this human grandeur with the unseen, yet ultimate, sovereignty of God. The fleeting nature of Ahasuerus's power, soon to be demonstrated by Vashti's defiance and the subsequent rise of Esther and Mordecai, implicitly teaches that worldly opulence and authority, no matter how impressive, are temporary and subject to a higher divine will. This verse, therefore, lays a foundation for understanding that true security and lasting value are not found in material possessions or human status, but in aligning with God's purposes, regardless of the apparent circumstances.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord Directs the King's Heart")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Warning Against Trusting in Riches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The extravagant display in Esther 1:7, while describing an ancient Persian court, holds profound relevance for contemporary reflection. It prompts us to consider the allure and dangers of worldly wealth and power. In a society often driven by consumerism and the pursuit of status, this verse serves as a stark reminder that even the most immense human "state" is ultimately transient and subject to forces beyond our control. It encourages us to examine where we place our trust and derive our sense of significance. Do we, like Ahasuerus, seek to impress others with our possessions or achievements, or do we recognize that true abundance and lasting security come from a different source? The subtle contrast between the king's visible power and God's invisible sovereignty should lead us to humility, reminding us that all earthly glory is fleeting. Our ultimate value is not determined by what we possess or display, but by our relationship with the eternal King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the lavishness described in Esther 1:7 challenge or affirm your understanding of worldly power and wealth?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, seek to display our own "state" or status in contemporary society?**
* **How does the fleeting nature of Ahasuerus's power, hinted at by the narrative's underlying theme of divine sovereignty, encourage a different perspective on life's priorities?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of King Ahasuerus's lavish feast as described in Esther 1:7?**

Answer: The primary purpose of King Ahasuerus's lavish feast, as evidenced by the details in Esther 1:7, was not merely social entertainment but a strategic political and imperial demonstration. It was designed to showcase his immense wealth, power, and the glory of his kingdom to his officials, nobles, and the people of Susa. By providing "royal wine in abundance" and using "vessels of gold" that were "diverse one from another," the king was asserting his supreme authority and solidifying his dominance over his vast empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia (see [Esther 1:1](/est_her/1-1 "Esther 1:1 - The Extent of Ahasuerus's Kingdom")). Such spectacles were common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies to impress and intimidate both subjects and foreign dignitaries.

**Why is the detail that the "vessels [were] diverse one from another" significant?**

Answer: The detail that the "vessels [were] diverse one from another" (Esther 1:7) is significant because it amplifies the portrayal of King Ahasuerus's extraordinary wealth and refined taste. If the vessels were uniform, it would still indicate great riches. However, the fact that each golden vessel was unique in its design suggests that they were not merely a large collection of standard items but individual, perhaps artistically crafted, pieces. This implies an even greater level of luxury, indicating that the king possessed an immense and varied treasury, perhaps accumulated through conquest or tribute, showcasing not just quantity of precious metal but also a collection of unique, valuable artifacts. It underscores the king's personal extravagance and the unparalleled resources at his disposal.

**Does this verse suggest anything about the character of King Ahasuerus?**

Answer: Yes, Esther 1:7 strongly suggests several aspects of King Ahasuerus's character. His insistence on such extreme lavishness and abundance, "according to the state of the king," reveals a ruler deeply concerned with projecting an image of immense power, wealth, and absolute authority. It points to a character prone to extravagance, indulgence, and a desire for public display. This preoccupation with his own "state" and dignity will later be a key factor in his impulsive decision regarding Queen Vashti (see [Esther 1:12](/est_her/1-12 "Esther 1:12 - Vashti's Refusal to Appear")), indicating a ruler who prioritizes his pride and public image above all else.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 1:7, with its depiction of an earthly king's extravagant display of power and wealth, provides a stark yet profound contrast that points to the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. King Ahasuerus's "state" was one of fleeting, material grandeur, achieved through human might and displayed for earthly acclaim. In contrast, Christ's kingship, though possessing all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), was not heralded by golden vessels or abundant royal wine, but by humility and self-sacrifice. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). While Ahasuerus's feast showcased a limited, human abundance, Christ offers an eternal, spiritual abundance—the "abundant life" that He came to give ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). The gold and glory of Susa were temporary, but the glory of Christ's kingdom is everlasting, built not on human pride but on divine love and righteousness. Ultimately, the earthly king's display, though impressive, pales in comparison to the true riches and eternal reign of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet will one day fill all things with true glory and an abundance that never fades ([Revelation 21:23-26](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-26 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:2

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

Daniel 5:4

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

2 Chronicles 9:20

And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold: none [were of] silver; it was [not] any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

Esther 2:18

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, [even] Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

1 Kings 10:21

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.