Esther 1:3-14

3In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his princes and his servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media plus the nobles and officials of the provinces were present.

4He displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty for many days, 180 days.

5When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the garden court of the king’s palace for all the people who were present in the palace at Shushan, for both the greatest to the least.

6There were white and blue linen curtains hung by cords of fine linen and purple on silver rings and marble columns, gold and silver couches on a mosaic pavement of alabaster, marble, mother-of-pearl and minerals.

7Wine was served in golden goblets, each of which was different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant according to the king’s wealth.

8In keeping with the law, there were no restrictions on drinking for the king had instructed the supervisors of his household to comply with each person’s desire.

9In addition Queen Vashti held a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Ahasuerus.

10On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry from the wine, he commanded Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas—the seven eunuchs who attended Ahasuerus the king—

11to bring Queen Vashti before the king wearing the royal crown. He wanted to show the peoples and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.

12But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command conveyed by the eunuchs. Then the king became furious, and burned with anger.

13So the king consulted the wise men who discerned the times, for it was the king’s practice to consult experts in matters of law and justice.

14Those closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king’s presence and were the highest in the kingdom.