¹³ Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times^{(A) 14} and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles^(B) of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.

¹⁵ “According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”

¹⁶ Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. ¹⁷ For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’ ¹⁸ This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.^(C)

¹⁹ “Therefore, if it pleases the king,^(D) let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed,^(E) that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she.

⁸ Now write another decree^(A) in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal^(B) it with the king’s signet ring^(C)—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.”^(D)

⁸ Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”^(A)

¹⁴ When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed;^(A) he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

¹⁷ A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed^(A) it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.