The ancient Persians were known for their love of drinking. At Ahasuerus’ feast, every guest could drink what and as much as he desired.
This picture of palace life cannot be more different from the life that the Lord prescribed for the kings of Israel. The kings of Israel were prohibited from accumulating excessive wealth (Deuteronomy 17:17). In Proverbs 31:1–9 the mother of king Lemuel urges him to help the poor and needy, instead of indulging in wine.
8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired.