Esther 1:5-8
present <04672> [present. Heb. found. seven days.]
mother-of-pearl <02353 01858> [white.]
purple <08504> [blue. or, violet.]
couches <04296> [the beds.]
These were couches, covered with gold and silver cloth, on which the guests reclined; for the Orientals do not sit, but recline at their meals.
valuable stones <0923> [red, etc. or, of porphyre, and marble, and alabaster, and stone of blue colour.]
golden containers <02091 03627> [vessels of gold.]
Royal wine <03196 04438> [royal wine. Heb. wine of the kingdom. state of the king.]
Heb. hand of the king.
<0597> [none did compel.]
Every person drank what he pleased. Among the Greeks, however, each guest was obliged to keep the round, or leave the company: hence the proverb [E pithi, e apithi,] Drink, or begone. Mr. Herbert, in his poem entitled "The Church Porch," has severely reprobated this vile custom. In Britain, however, this demoralizing custom is now almost destroyed, and a new era of social pleasure is arising, by temperate habits, increased domestic comforts, and the spread of gospel truths.
supervisors <07227> [the officers.]
