Esther 1:5
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
Esther 1:5 · King James Version
Meaning
After the days of purification were completed, King Ahasuerus of Persia hosted a grand feast in the royal palace at Shushan. The feast lasted for seven days and was attended by people of all ranks, from the highest officials to the lowliest servants. The celebration took place in the beautiful court of the king's garden, a stunning location fitting for such a lavish event. This feast was not only a time for indulgence and revelry but also a display of the king's generosity and wealth. It was a way for the king to show appreciation for his subjects and to foster unity and camaraderie among his people. The seven-day duration of the feast symbolized perfection and completion, emphasizing the importance and significance of the occasion in the king's eyes. Overall, this verse highlights the opulence and grandeur of the Persian court and sheds light on the king's desire to bring joy and unity to his kingdom through grand celebrations.
Theological Overview
In the book of Esther, this verse describes a lavish feast organized by King Xerxes in celebration of the completion of the purification process for his new queen. The theological interpretation of this verse reflects on the themes of abundance, celebration, and inclusivity. The seven-day feast symbolizes completion and perfection in the Biblical context. The fact that the feast was open to all people, regardless of social status, highlights the idea of God's grace being extended to everyone. Additionally, the setting of the feast in the garden court of the king's palace may evoke imagery of Eden, symbolizing a return to a state of harmony and blessing. Furthermore, the feast can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate banquet that believers will partake in when they are united with Christ in eternity. Overall, this verse illustrates themes of celebration, unity, and divine provision, inviting readers to reflect on God's abundant grace and the joy of communal fellowship.
Esther 1:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when these days were fulfilled, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace.
World English Bible
When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.
Douay-Rheims
And when the days of the feast were expired, he invited all the people that were found in Susan, from the greatest to the least: and commanded a feast to be made seven days in the court of the garden, and of the wood, which was planted by the care and the hand of the king.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when these dayes were expired, the King made a feast to all the people that were founde in the palace of Shushan, both vnto great and small, seuen dayes, in the court of the garden of the Kings palace,