Esther 1:3-5

Contemporary English Version

³ During the third year of his rule, Xerxes gave a big dinner for all his officials and officers. The governors and leaders of the provinces were also invited, and even the commanders of the Persian and Median armies came. ⁴ For 180 days he showed off his wealth and spent a lot of money to impress his guests with the greatness of his kingdom.

⁵ At the end of this time, King Xerxes gave another dinner and invited everyone in the city of Susa, no matter who they were. The eating and drinking lasted seven days in the beautiful palace gardens.