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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/1-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/17_Est_01_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 1:3 - Xerxes' Royal Feast" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. 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The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present. <a href="/nlt/esther/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. <a href="/esv/esther/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, <a href="/bsb/esther/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/esther/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/esther/1.htm">New King James Version</a> that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants—the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him— <a href="/nasb_/esther/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> in the third year of his reign he held a banquet for all his officials and attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the officials of his provinces, in his presence. <a href="/nasb/esther/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his princes and attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of his provinces being in his presence. <a href="/nasb77/esther/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> in the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his princes and attendants, the army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of his provinces being in his presence. <a href="/lsb/esther/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> in the third year of his reign, he held a feast for all his princes and servants, the military officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of his provinces being in his presence, <a href="/amp/esther/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> in the third year of his reign he held a banquet for all his officials and his attendants. The army officers of Persia and Media, the nobles and the officials of the provinces were there in his presence. <a href="/csb/esther/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/esther/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/asv/esther/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/cev/esther/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/esther/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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: <a href="/gwt/esther/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> he held a banquet in the third year of his reign. The banquet was for all his officials and advisers, that is, the military officers of the Persians and Medes, the nobles and officials of the provinces who had access to him. <a href="/gnt/esther/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> In the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his officials and administrators. The armies of Persia and Media were present, as well as the governors and noblemen of the provinces. <a href="/isv/esther/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his officials and ministers, and the military leaders of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the provincial officials were present. <a href="/msb/esther/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/esther/1.htm">NET Bible</a> in the third year of his reign he provided a banquet for all his officials and his servants. The army of Persia and Media was present, as well as the nobles and the officials of the provinces. <a href="/nheb/esther/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his officials and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him. <a href="/wbt/esther/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> In the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: <a href="/web/esther/1.htm">World English Bible</a> in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and his servants; the army of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces being before him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> in the third year of his reign, he has made a banquet to all his heads and his servants; of the force of Persia and Media, the chiefs and heads of the provinces [are] before him, <a href="/ylt/esther/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> in the third year of his reign, he hath made a banquet to all his heads and his servants; of the force of Persia and Media, the chiefs and heads of the provinces are before him, <a href="/slt/esther/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In the third year to his reign he made a drinking to all his chiefs and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and chiefs of the provinces before him:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now in the third year of his reign he made a great feast for all the princes, and for his servants, for the most mighty of the Persians, and the nobles of the Medes, and the governors of the provinces in his sight, <a href="/cpdv/esther/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 3:3>And so, in the third year of his reign, he made a great feast for all the leaders and his servants, for the most powerful among the Persians and the distinguished among the Medes, and for the rulers of the provinces before him, <a href="/nabre/esther/1.htm">New American Bible</a> in the third year of his reign, he gave a feast for all his officials and ministers: the Persian and Median army officers, the nobles, and the governors of the provinces. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> in the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his officials and ministers. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were present,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> In the third year of his reign, he made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, the mighty men of Persia and Media and the king's nobles and the governors of the provinces being before him. <a href="/hpbt/esther/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> In year three of his kingdom he made a great feast for all his Princes and his Servants of power, the Persians and Medes and the Parthians and the Nobles of the King before him, and the Nobles of the city<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the army of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him; <a href="/sep/esther/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> in the third year of his reign, he made a feast to his friends, and the other nations, and to the nobles of the Persians and Medes, and the chief of the satraps. <a href="/parallel/esther/1-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=15" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/1.htm">Xerxes' Royal Feast</a> …2In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa. 3<a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šā·lō·wōš (Number-fs) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">In the third</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: biš·naṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">year</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: lə·mā·lə·ḵōw (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">of his reign,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">Xerxes held</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·teh (N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">a feast</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">for all</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">his officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">and servants.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥêl (N-msc) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">The military leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/6539.htm" title="6539: pā·ras (N-proper-fs) -- A country in W. Asia which conquered Bab. Of foreign origin; Paras, an Eastern country, including its inhabitants.">of Persia</a> <a href="/hebrew/4074.htm" title="4074: ū·mā·ḏay (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Japheth, also his desc. and their land. Of foreign derivation; Madai, a country of central Asia.">and Media</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">were there,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6579.htm" title="6579: hap·par·tə·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Nobles. Of Persian origin; a grandee.">along with the nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·śā·rê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">and princes</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">of the provinces.</a> 4And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/6-1.htm">Daniel 6:1-3</a> Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. / Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. <a href="/1_kings/1-9.htm">1 Kings 1:9</a> And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king. <a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">2 Chronicles 36:20-23</a> Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah. / In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: ... <a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1-3</a> These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, / Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. / And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” <a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a> In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. / Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. ... <a href="/daniel/1-1.htm">Daniel 1:1-2</a> In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god. <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1-2</a> Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. <a href="/2_kings/24-12.htm">2 Kings 24:12-15</a> Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. / As the LORD had declared, Nebuchadnezzar also carried off all the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD. / He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. ... <a href="/jeremiah/25-1.htm">Jeremiah 25:1-3</a> This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. / So the prophet Jeremiah spoke to all the people of Judah and all the residents of Jerusalem as follows: / “From the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—twenty-three years—the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Isaiah 39:1-2</a> At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. / And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1-3</a> Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. / This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. / And everyone went to his own town to register. <a href="/acts/25-23.htm">Acts 25:23</a> The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with the commanders and leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in. <a href="/revelation/17-12.htm">Revelation 17:12-14</a> The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings along with the beast. / These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast. / They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.” <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>In the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:A.<a href="/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18</a> 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.<a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Genesis 40:20</a> And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.<a href="/1_kings/3-15.htm">1 Kings 3:15</a> And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.of Persia.<a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Esther 1:14</a> And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)<a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2</a> Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.<a href="/isaiah/21-2.htm">Isaiah 21:2</a> A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.the nobles.<a href="/daniel/3-2.htm">Daniel 3:2,3</a> Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up… <a href="/daniel/6-1.htm">Daniel 6:1,6,7</a> It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-4.htm">Attendants</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-20.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Force</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-27.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-46.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-46.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Media</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-6.htm">Military</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/ezra/9-9.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-37.htm">Power</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-32.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-22.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/6-4.htm">Army</a> <a href="/esther/1-12.htm">Attendants</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/esther/1-11.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/esther/9-30.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/esther/7-8.htm">Force</a> <a href="/esther/3-12.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/esther/1-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/esther/1-11.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/esther/1-4.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Media</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-5.htm">Military</a> <a href="/esther/1-11.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/esther/1-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/esther/1-10.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/esther/1-11.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/esther/1-16.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/esther/2-4.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/esther/1-22.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 1</div>1. <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Xerxes makes royal feasts.</a> 10. <a href="/esther/1-10.htm">Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.</a> 13. <a href="/esther/1-13.htm">Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In the third year of his reign This phrase situates the events within the early period of King Xerxes' rule, around 483 BC. Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, was the son of Darius the Great and ruled over the Persian Empire. The third year of his reign suggests a time when Xerxes was consolidating his power and establishing his authority across the vast empire. This period is significant as it precedes his famous campaign against Greece, which culminated in the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis.Xerxes held a feast Feasts were a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often used to display wealth, power, and generosity. This particular feast is notable for its grandeur and length, lasting 180 days, as described later in the chapter. Such feasts were also political tools, used to secure loyalty and demonstrate the king's ability to provide for his subjects. The opulence of the feast reflects the wealth and resources of the Persian Empire at its height.for all his officials and servants The inclusion of officials and servants indicates a hierarchical structure within the Persian court. Officials likely included high-ranking administrators and advisors who played crucial roles in governance. Servants, while lower in status, were essential for the functioning of the royal household. This gathering underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and loyal administrative body to support the king's rule.The military leaders of Persia and Media were there The presence of military leaders highlights the strategic importance of this gathering. Persia and Media were the core regions of the empire, and their military leaders were crucial for maintaining control and expanding the empire's borders. This assembly may have served as a council of war, where military strategies and campaigns were discussed. The inclusion of Media reflects the dual nature of the empire, which was a coalition of Persian and Median elements.along with the nobles and princes of the provinces The nobles and princes represent the regional leaders who governed the various provinces of the empire. Their presence at the feast signifies the king's need to secure the allegiance of these local rulers, who wielded significant power in their respective regions. This gathering would have been an opportunity for Xerxes to reinforce his authority and ensure the stability of his rule across the diverse and expansive empire. The mention of provinces highlights the administrative complexity of the Persian Empire, which was divided into satrapies, each governed by a satrap or provincial governor.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/x/xerxes.htm">Xerxes (Ahasuerus)</a> The king of Persia, known for his vast empire and opulent lifestyle. His reign is marked by significant events, including the feast described in <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3</a>. 2. <a href="/topical/o/officials_and_servants.htm">Officials and Servants</a> These are the individuals who serve in the king's court, assisting in the administration of the empire and attending to the king's needs. 3. <a href="/topical/m/military_leaders_of_persia_and_media.htm">Military Leaders of Persia and Media</a> High-ranking officers responsible for the defense and expansion of the Persian Empire. Their presence at the feast signifies the importance of military power in Xerxes' reign. 4. <a href="/topical/p/princes_and_nobles_of_the_provinces.htm">Princes and Nobles of the Provinces</a> Regional leaders who govern various parts of the empire. Their attendance highlights the unity and diversity of the Persian Empire under Xerxes' rule. 5. <a href="/topical/f/feast.htm">Feast</a> A grand banquet held by Xerxes, showcasing his wealth and power. It serves as a backdrop for the events that unfold in the Book of Esther.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_pride_and_opulence.htm">The Dangers of Pride and Opulence</a> Xerxes' feast is a display of wealth and power, reminding us of the potential pitfalls of pride and materialism. Believers are called to seek humility and contentment in Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_and_influence.htm">The Role of Leadership and Influence</a> The gathering of leaders at the feast underscores the importance of wise and godly leadership. Christians in positions of influence should lead with integrity and seek God's guidance. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The presence of diverse leaders from across the empire highlights the value of unity amidst diversity. The church is called to embrace and celebrate diversity within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god_in_world_events.htm">The Sovereignty of God in World Events</a> Despite the grandeur of earthly kingdoms, God's sovereignty prevails. The events in Esther remind us that God is in control, working through history to fulfill His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 1</a> <a href="/q/who_was_haman_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Haman the Agagite in biblical history?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_plot_of_esther.htm">What is the main plot of the Book of Esther?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_queen_vashti_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Queen Vashti in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_purim_justified_without_divine_mention.htm">Esther 9:28: How do we reconcile the institution of Purim with the absence of divine mention or direct intervention throughout the entire story of Esther? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) In the third year of his reign.--Assuming, as we do, the identity of Ahasuerus and Xerxes, this will be 483 B.C., when Xerxes held a meeting at Susa of his princes to make arrangements for invading Greece. At so important a gathering, the feasting was a very obvious adjunct; and besides the coming campaign, a successful war had just been concluded in Egypt, and rejoicings for the past might have mingled with high hopes for the future, when the whole strength of the empire should be put forth to crush the presumptuous foe who had dared to measure swords with the "king of kings."Nobles.--The word in the Hebrew, partemim, occurring here, in <a href="/esther/6-9.htm" title="And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man with whom the king delights to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.">Esther 6:9</a>. and <a href="/daniel/1-3.htm" title="And the king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;">Daniel 1:3</a>. is a Persian word, literally meaning "first." The Greek protos and Latin primus are evidently akin to it.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - In the third year of his reign. In B.C. 483, probably in the early spring, when the court, having spent the winter at Babylon (Xenophon), returned to Susa to enjoy the most charming season of the year. He made a feast unto all his princes and his servants. Persian kings, according to Ctesias and Duris, ordinarily entertained at their table 15,000 persons! This is of course an exaggeration; but there can be no doubt that their hospitality was on a scale unexampled in modern times. The vast pillared halls of the Persepelitan and Susan palaces could accommodate many hundreds, if not thousands. The power of Persia and Media. The empire of the Achaemenian kings was Perso-Medic rather than simply Persian. The Medes were not only the most favoured of the conquered nations, but were really placed nearly on a par with their conquerors. Many of the highest offices were conferred on them, and they formed no doubt a considerable section of the courtiers. The nobles. Literally, "the first men," ha-partemim. The word used is a Persian term Hebraised. It occurs only in this place. And princes of the provinces. i.e. satraps. The presence of such persons at the great gathering at Susa preparatory to the Grecian war is witnessed to by Herodotus (7:19). <a href="/commentaries/esther/1-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In the third שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ (šā·lō·wōš) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice year בִּשְׁנַ֤ת (biš·naṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> A year of his reign, לְמָלְכ֔וֹ (lə·mā·lə·ḵōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel [Xerxes] held עָשָׂ֣ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make a feast מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה (miš·teh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast for all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every his officials שָׂרָ֖יו (śā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince and servants. וַעֲבָדָ֑יו (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant The military leaders חֵ֣יל ׀ (ḥêl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2426.htm">Strong's 2426: </a> An army, an intrenchment of Persia פָּרַ֣ס (pā·ras) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6539.htm">Strong's 6539: </a> Persia -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon and Media וּמָדַ֗י (ū·mā·ḏay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> Media -- a son of Japheth, also his descendants and their land [were there], לְפָנָֽיו׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face along with the nobles הַֽפַּרְתְּמִ֛ים (hap·par·tə·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6579.htm">Strong's 6579: </a> A grandee and princes וְשָׂרֵ֥י (wə·śā·rê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the provinces. הַמְּדִינ֖וֹת (ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">OT History: Esther 1:3 In the third year of his reign (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/1-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 1:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 1:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/1-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 1:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 1:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>