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.
6 The inside garden had white and blue linen hangings around the room. They were held in place with cords of white linen and purple material on silver rings and marble pillars. There were couches made of gold and silver. They were sitting on mosaic pavement made of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other expensive stones.
7 Wine was served in golden cups, and every cup was different. There was plenty of the king’s wine, because the king was very generous.
8 The king had given a command to his servants. He told them that each guest must be given as much wine as he wanted, and the wine server obeyed the king.