It came to pass in the days of Ahashverosh, the same Ahashverosh who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over 127 provinces, in the days when Ahashverosh the king sat on his royal throne, which was in Susa the capital. In year 3 of his reign he made a feast for all his princes and his servants, the military power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces being before him, during which he displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty for many days – 180 days.

When these days had run their course, the king made a feast for all the people present in Susa the capital, from the highest to the most lowly, lasting seven days in the court, in the garden of the king's palace. There were hangings of white, of fine cotton, and blue, suspended with cords of fine linen and purple from silver rods and marble columns, divans of gold and silver on a floor of alabaster, marble, pearl, and precious stone. And drinks in vessels of gold, and vessels, each one differing from the others, and the royal wine aplenty, from the hand of the king. And the drinking was in accord with the law that none should be compelled, for so the king had instructed all the officers of his house, that they should do according to each man's will.

Vashti the queen made a feast for the women as well, in the royal house of Ahashverosh the king. On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Bizeta, Harvona, Bigta and Avagta, Zetar, and Karkas, the seven chamberlains who served in the presence of Ahashverosh the king, to bring Vashti the queen before the king wearing the royal crown, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was fair to look upon. But Vashti the queen refused to come at the king's command as communicated by the chamberlains, and the king was exceedingly angered, and his rage burned within him.