17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.r 18 The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff.s It was Esther’s banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.t