Esther 5:1-3

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Esther’s Banquet

5 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, opposite the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace.^{(A) 2} As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favor, and he held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.^{(B) 3} The king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even to half of my kingdom, it shall be given you.”^(C)