1 This is what happened during the time when Xerxes was king. Xerxes ruled over the 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia.
2 King Xerxes ruled from his throne in the capital city of Susa.
3 In the third year of Xerxes’ rule, he gave a party for his officers and leaders. The army leaders and important leaders from all of Persia and Media were there.
4 The party continued for 180 days. All during this time, King Xerxes was showing the great wealth of his kingdom and the majestic beauty and wealth of his palace.
5 And when the 180 days were over, King Xerxes gave another party that continued for seven days. It was held in the inside garden of the palace. All the people who were in the capital city of Susa were invited, from the most important to the least important.