Esther 1:8

In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had instructed all the officials of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.

World English Bible

In The King James Version

And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.

In Context

7They gave them drinks in golden vessels of various kinds, including royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the king.

9Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.

Read all of Esther 1

Cross References

Jeremiah 35:8We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters;

Habakkuk 2:15“Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies!

Matthew Henry on Esther 1:2-10

Esther How the providence of God watched over the Jews that had returned out of captivity to their own land, and what great and kind things were done for them, we read in the two foregoing books; but there were many who staid behind, having not zeal enough for God's house, and the holy land and city, to carry them through the difficulties of a removal thither. These, one would think, should have been excluded the special protection of Providence, as unworthy the name of Israelites; but our God deals not with us… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Esther 1:8