1. On the third day Esther put on her royal robes. Then she stood in the inner courtyard of the king’s palace, facing the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the doorway.
2. The king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard. When he saw her, he was very pleased. He held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther went up to him and touched the end of the scepter.
3. Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What do you want to ask me? I will give you as much as half of my kingdom.”
4. Esther answered, “My king, if it pleases you, come today with Haman to a banquet. I have prepared it for you.”
5. Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly so we may do what Esther asks.”So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared for them.