Esther 5

1 On the third day, when she had finished praying, she took off the garments of her worship and clothed herself in her glory. Radiant now, she called on God, who watches over all things and rescues, and took her two maids with her. On one of them she leaned, delicately, while the other followed, holding up her robe. She was flushed with the full bloom of her beauty, and her face was cheerful, like one well loved — but her heart was tight with fear. [a] †

When she had passed through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was seated on his royal throne, dressed in the full robes of his splendor, all gold and precious stones — and he was terrifying. He lifted his face, blazing with glory, and looked at her in the fullness of his anger. The queen sank down; her color drained away in a faint, and she slumped over onto the head of the maid who walked in front of her. Then God changed the king's spirit to gentleness. In alarm he sprang from his throne and took her up in his arms until she came to herself, and he comforted her with peaceable words. He said to her, “What is it, Esther? I am your brother. Take courage — you are not going to die, for our decree is for the common people. Come near.”

2 Then he raised the golden staff and laid it on her neck; he embraced her and said, “Speak to me.” And she said to him, “I saw you, my lord, like a messenger of God, and my heart was shaken with fear at your glory. For you are wonderful, my lord, and your face is full of kindness.” [c]

3 But while she was speaking, she collapsed in a faint. The king was shaken, and all his attendants tried to comfort her. And the king said, “What do you want, Esther? What is your petition? Up to half of my kingdom — and it will be yours.” 4 Esther said, “Today is a special day for me. If it seems good to the king, let him come, he and Haman, to the banquet I will hold today.” [d] 5 And the king said, “Hurry Haman here, so we can do what Esther has said.” So the two of them came to the banquet Esther had spoken of.

6 At the drinking feast the king said to Esther, “What is it, Queen Esther? Whatever you ask for will be yours.” 7 And she said, “My request — my petition: 8 if I have found favor before the king, let the king and Haman come again tomorrow to the banquet I will hold for them, and tomorrow I will do as I have done today.”

9 Haman went out from the king overjoyed and in high spirits — but when Haman saw Mordecai the Jew in the palace court, he was furious. 10 He went into his own house and called for his friends and for Zeresh his wife, [e] 11 and he showed them his wealth, and the glory the king had wrapped around him, and how the king had made him first man of the kingdom and its leader.

12 And Haman said, “The queen has invited no one to the banquet with the king except me — and tomorrow I am invited again. 13 But none of this satisfies me, as long as I see Mordecai the Jew in the court.” 14 Then Zeresh his wife and his friends said to him, “Have a pole cut for you, seventy-five feet high. In the morning, speak to the king — and let Mordecai be hanged on it. Then go in with the king to the banquet, and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and the pole was made ready. [f]