Ahasuerus's Vast Kingdom and Great Feast

1

This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush.

2

In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.

3

In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces.

4

And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.

5

At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest.

6

Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

7

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.

8

By order of the king, no limit was placed on the drinking, and every official of his household was to serve each man whatever he desired.

9

Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

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