Esther 1:7

1:7 Drinks were served in golden containers, all of which differed from one another. Royal wine was available in abundance at the king’s expense.

Esther 1:13

1:13 The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times – for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities.


tn Heb “to cause to drink” (Hiphil infinitive construct of שָׁקָה, shaqah). As the etymology of the Hebrew word for “banquet” (מִשְׁתֶּה, mishteh, from שָׁתָה, shatah, “to drink”) hints, drinking was a prominent feature of ancient Near Eastern banquets.

tn Heb “judgment” (so KJV); NASB, NIV “justice”; NRSV “custom.”