Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality. New Living Translation To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone. English Standard Version Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity. Berean Standard Bible Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. Berean Literal Bible And the king made a great feast for all his officials and servants—the feast of Esther—and he made a time of rest for the provinces, and he gave gifts according to the hand of the king. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king. New American Standard Bible Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts in proportion to the king’s bounty. NASB 1995 Then the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his princes and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. NASB 1977 Then the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his princes and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. Legacy Standard Bible Then the king held a great feast, Esther’s feast, for all his princes and his servants; he also held a remission of taxes for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king’s hand. Amplified Bible Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and his servants; and he made a festival for the provinces and gave gifts in accordance with the resources of the king. Berean Annotated Bible Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s (star) banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. Christian Standard Bible The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff. It was Esther’s banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. Holman Christian Standard Bible The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff. It was Esther’s banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. American Standard Version 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 bounty of the king. Contemporary English Version In honor of Esther he gave a big dinner for his leaders and officials. Then he declared a holiday everywhere in his kingdom and gave expensive gifts. English Revised Version 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 bounty of the king. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the king held a great banquet for Esther. He invited all his officials and his advisers. He also declared that day a holiday in the provinces, and he handed out gifts from his royal generosity. Good News Translation Then the king gave a great banquet in Esther's honor and invited all his officials and administrators. He proclaimed a holiday for the whole empire and distributed gifts worthy of a king. International Standard Version The king put on a great banquet for all his officials and ministers to honor Esther. He declared a holiday for the provinces and gave generous gifts. NET Bible Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants--it was actually Esther's banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king's expense. New Heart English Bible Then the king made a great feast for all his officials and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king's bounty. Webster's Bible Translation Then the king made a great feast to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. World English Bible Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king makes a great banquet to all his heads and his servants—the banquet of Esther—and has made a release to the provinces, and gives gifts as a memorial of the king. Berean Literal Bible And the king made a great feast for all his officials and servants—the feast of Esther—and he made a time of rest for the provinces, and he gave gifts according to the hand of the king. Young's Literal Translation and the king maketh a great banquet to all his heads and his servants -- the banquet of Esther -- and a release to the provinces hath made, and giveth gifts as a memorial of the king. Smith's Literal Translation And the king will make a great drinking to all his chiefs and his servants; Esther's drinking; and he made rest to the provinces, and he will give a lifting up according to the hand of the king. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he commanded a magnificent feast to be prepared for all the princes, and for his servants, for the marriage and wedding of Esther. And he gave rest to all the provinces, and bestowed gifts according to princely magnificence. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Then the king gave a great feast in honor of Esther to all his officials and servants, granting a holiday to the provinces and bestowing gifts with royal generosity. New Revised Standard Version Then the king gave a great banquet to all his officials and ministers—“Esther’s banquet.” He also granted a holiday to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal liberality. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king made a great feast to all his princes, even Esther's feast; and he granted relief to the provinces and gave gifts, according to the generosity of the king. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King made a great feast for all his Princes, and he made a feast for Esthir, and he made rest for the provinces, and he gave gifts according to the hand of the King. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then 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 bounty of the king. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king made a banquet for all his friends and great men for seven days, and he highly celebrated the marriage of Esther; and he made a release to those who were under his dominion. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Esther Becomes Queen17And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 18Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. 19When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.… Cross References Then the king held a great banquet, Daniel 5:1 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. Esther 1:5 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. Matthew 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. Esther’s banquet, Esther 7:1-2 So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, / and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Esther 5:4 “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” Esther 5:8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” for all his officials and servants. Esther 1:3 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. 1 Kings 10:5 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. 2 Chronicles 9:4 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, the attire of his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces Ezra 7:24 And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. Leviticus 25:10 So you are to consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be your Jubilee, when each of you is to return to his property and to his clan. Deuteronomy 15:1-2 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. / This is the manner of remission: Every creditor shall cancel what he has loaned to his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor or brother, because the LORD’s time of release has been proclaimed. and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. 1 Kings 10:13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. 2 Chronicles 9:12 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—far more than she had brought the king. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. Esther 8:2 The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman. Daniel 1:5 The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service. Treasury of Scripture Then the king made a great feast to 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. A. Esther 1:3-5 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: … Genesis 29:22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. Judges 14:10-17 So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do… he made. release. Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. 1 Samuel 25:8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David. Nehemiah 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. Jump to Previous Bounty Esther's Feast Gifts Granted Great Holiday King's Nobles Officials Princes Proclaimed Provinces Release Remission Royal Servants Taxes ThroughoutJump to Next Bounty Esther's Feast Gifts Granted Great Holiday King's Nobles Officials Princes Proclaimed Provinces Release Remission Royal Servants Taxes ThroughoutEsther 2 1. Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.5. Mordecai the nursing father of Esther. 8. Esther preferred before the rest. 12. The manner of purification, and going in to the king. 15. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen. 21. Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles. Then the king held a great banquet In the Persian Empire, banquets were significant social and political events, often used to display wealth and power. This banquet, like others in the Book of Esther, underscores the opulence of King Xerxes' reign. Banquets in the ancient Near East were also occasions for making important decisions or announcements, as seen in Esther 1:3-4. Esther’s banquet for all his officials and servants He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulence and power, and in this context, he is celebrating Esther's selection as queen. 2. Esther A Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her rise to this position is central to the unfolding of God's providential plan for the Jewish people. 3. Officials and Servants These are the members of the king's court and administration who are invited to the banquet, highlighting the importance of the event. 4. The Banquet A significant event marking Esther's ascension to queenship. It symbolizes celebration, acceptance, and the king's favor. 5. The Provinces The vast empire over which King Ahasuerus rules. The proclamation of a holiday across these provinces signifies the widespread impact of Esther's new role. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsThe account of Esther reminds us that God is in control, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned. He orchestrates events for His purposes and the good of His people. The Role of Celebration in Community The banquet and holiday demonstrate the importance of communal celebration in acknowledging significant events and blessings. As believers, we should also celebrate God's work in our lives and communities. Generosity as a Reflection of God's Character The king's royal generosity in giving gifts can remind us of God's generous nature. We are called to reflect this generosity in our own lives, sharing our blessings with others. The Impact of Individual Obedience Esther's obedience and courage in stepping into her role as queen had a profound impact on her people. Our individual acts of faithfulness can have far-reaching effects. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 2:18?2. How does Esther 2:18 illustrate God's providence in Esther's rise to queen? 3. What can we learn from the king's generosity in Esther 2:18? 4. How does Esther 2:18 connect with God's promises to protect His people? 5. How can we celebrate God's blessings in our lives, as seen in Esther 2:18? 6. What role does community play in celebrating victories, according to Esther 2:18? 7. Why did King Xerxes hold a banquet for Esther in Esther 2:18? 8. How does Esther 2:18 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Persia? 9. What is the significance of the gifts given in Esther 2:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2? 11. How do we reconcile the portrayal of lavish banquets in Esther 1 with other biblical condemnations of excess and opulence? 12. What is the Feast of Purim? 13. What is the publication date of Esther? 14. How historically reliable is the vast domain of King Ahasuerus described in Esther 1:1, from India to Ethiopia? What Does Esther 2:18 Mean Then the king held a great banquet“Then the king held a great banquet”. • Banquets in Scripture often signal pivotal covenant moments or royal decisions (Esther 1:3; Genesis 21:8; Daniel 5:1). • Here the feast proclaims to the empire that a new queen has been installed—public, undeniable, celebratory. • God invisibly guides these “chance” festivities to position Esther for the deliverance He will bring (Romans 8:28). Esther’s banquet “…Esther’s banquet…”. • The celebration bears her name—unlike Vashti’s earlier feast (Esther 1:9)—marking a complete reversal and God-ordained elevation. • It answers Israel’s repeated pattern of the righteous being honored in foreign courts (Genesis 41:41 for Joseph; Daniel 2:48). • Publicly attaching Esther’s name ensures she cannot later be disregarded when her intercession becomes critical (Esther 4:14). For all his officials and servants “…for all his officials and servants.”. • The guest list spans the power structure—satraps, nobles, household personnel (cf. Esther 1:3; Daniel 6:1). • By including every rank, Xerxes (Ahasuerus) solidifies loyalty toward the new queen and, by extension, to himself. • God is quietly ensuring that when Esther later acts, those same officials will have witnessed her royal favor (Proverbs 16:7). He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces “He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces”. • Persian kings occasionally forgave or delayed tribute to celebrate significant events; here it spreads goodwill across 127 provinces (Esther 8:9). • Relief from taxes recalls earlier pleas for lighter burdens (1 Kings 12:4) and foreshadows the coming deliverance of the Jews from an even heavier yoke. • The measure shows how God can turn the heart of a king “like channels of water” (Proverbs 21:1), providing unexpected blessing for His people scattered throughout the empire. And gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty “…and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.”. • Royal generosity—lavish, abundant—matches the immeasurable wealth of Xerxes (Esther 1:7; 5:11), yet still pales beside the LORD’s provision (James 1:17). • Gifts cement alliances and gratitude (2 Chronicles 9:8), but ultimately highlight the contrast between earthly opulence and the eternal riches God grants to those who trust Him (Ephesians 1:18). • The largesse also affirms Esther’s position; honoring her honors those she represents, preparing hearts for the later edict favoring the Jews (Esther 9:22). summary Every phrase of Esther 2:18 showcases God’s unseen orchestration. A public banquet, Esther’s highlighted name, the inclusion of every rank, a province-wide tax relief, and kingly gifts all signal a new chapter. Behind each royal gesture, the LORD is setting the stage to protect His covenant people and reveal that even in exile, He remains sovereign over rulers, policies, and fortunes. (18) Release.--Literally, rest. The word only occurs here: it may refer either to a release from tribute or from military service, probably the former. Either, however, would have been consistent with Persian usage. (See Herod, iii. 67, 6:59.)Verse 18. - Then the king made a great feast. As Persian kings were in the habit of doing on every joyful occasion. Even Esther's feast. It seems to be meant that the feast was one which continued to be spoken about, and which was commonly known under this title. And he made a release to the provinces. As the Pseudo-Smerdis had done when he usurped the throne (Herod., 3:67). A "release" was an exemption from taxation, or from military service, or from both, for a specified period. And gave gifts, according to the state of the king. Literally, that is, "in right royal fashion" (see Esther 1:7). The practice of making presents, so common in the East at all times, was much in vogue among the Persians, and was practised especially by the monarchs (Herod., 1:136; 3:135; 7:26; Xen., 'Cyrop.,' 8:2, § 7, et seq.; 'Anab.,' 1:9, § 22, etc.). CHAPTER 2:19-23 MORDECAI'S DISCOVERY OF A PLOT AGAINST AHASUERUS' LIFE (Esther 2:19-23). Some time after Esther had been made queen, there was a second collection of virgins at Susa (ver. 19), under circumstances which are not related, and which were probably of small importance. At this time (ver. 21) Mordecai, still serving in his humble office at the palace gate, from which he had not been advanced, since Esther had told no one that he was her relation (ver. 20), happened to detect a conspiracy against the king's life, which had been formed by two of the palace eunuchs, Bigthan and Tercsh, whom Ahasuerus had somehow offended (ver. 21). Being still in the habit of holding communication with Esther, Mordecai was able to make her acquainted with the facts, of which she then informed the king, telling him how she had obtained her knowledge (ver. 22). There was nothing surprising or suspicious in a eunuch of the palace having had speech with the queen, especially when he had intelligence of such importance to impart to her. On inquiry, the king found that Mordecai's information was correct; the conspiracy was laid bare, and the conspirators put to death (ver. 23) - the facts being, as was sure to be the case, entered in the court chronicle, a daily record of the life of the court, and of the circumstances that befell the king. It was to have been expected that Mordecai would have been rewarded for his zeal; but somehow or other it happened that his services were overlooked he was neither promoted from his humble office, nor did he receive any gift (Esther 6:3). This was quite contrary to ordinary Persian practice; but the court generally may have disliked Mordecai because he was a Jew. Hebrew Then the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king held וַיַּ֨עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make a great גָד֗וֹל (ḡā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent banquet, מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה (miš·teh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast Esther’s אֶסְתֵּ֑ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel banquet, מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה (miš·têh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast for all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every his officials שָׂרָיו֙ (śā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince and servants. וַעֲבָדָ֔יו (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant He proclaimed עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make a tax holiday וַהֲנָחָ֤ה (wa·hă·nā·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2010: Permission of rest, quiet in the provinces לַמְּדִינוֹת֙ (lam·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region and gave וַיִּתֵּ֥ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set gifts מַשְׂאֵ֖ת (maś·’êṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4864: A raising, rising, an utterance, a beacon, a present worthy of the king’s הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king bounty. כְּיַ֥ד (kə·yaḏ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand Links Esther 2:18 NIVEsther 2:18 NLT Esther 2:18 ESV Esther 2:18 NASB Esther 2:18 KJV Esther 2:18 BibleApps.com Esther 2:18 Biblia Paralela Esther 2:18 Chinese Bible Esther 2:18 French Bible Esther 2:18 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 2:18 Then the king made a great feast (Est Esth. 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