Esther 5:1-8 ▼

1 NOW on the third day Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the king's house, opposite the king's house; and the king was sitting upon his royal throne opposite the gate of the house.

2 And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and held the top of the golden sceptre.

3 Then the king said to her, What troubles you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.

4 And Esther answered, If it please the king, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I have pre pared for him.

5 Then the king said, Make haste to find Haman, that he may do as Esther has said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6 And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? And it shall be granted you; and what is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be given you.

7 Then Esther answered and said, My petition and my request is this:

8 If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king to grant my petition and to per form my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them tomorrow, as the king has said.