³ and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet^(A) for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present.

¹⁸ And the king gave a great banquet,^(A) Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials.^(B) He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.^(C)