King James Version
What Does Esther 1:3 Mean?
“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:”
Context
1
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
2
That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3
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:
4
When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; present: Heb. found
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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 Esther 6:9. and Daniel 1:3. is a Persian word, literally meaning “first.” The Greek *protos* and Latin *primus* are evidently akin to it.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Esther 1:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Esther 1:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge