Esther 1:2-4

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

² In those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa,^{(A) 3} in the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his officials and ministers. The army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the governors of the provinces were present,^{(B) 4} while he displayed the great wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and pomp of his majesty for many days, one hundred eighty days in all.