Esther 5:1-3

International Standard Version

Esther Goes before the King

5 On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace in front of the king’s quarters.^[a] The king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the building. ² When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor, and the king extended to Esther the gold scepter that he was holding. Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. ³ The king asked her, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it’s half of the kingdom, it will be given to you.”