Esther 1:1-7 ▼

1 These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus, who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush.

2 In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa.

3 He held a feast in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials from the provinces.

4 He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness for a total of 180 days.

5 At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa.

6 White and blue linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

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