Esther 5:1-3

Expanded Bible

Esther Speaks to the King

5 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the king’s ·palace [^Lhouse], ·facing [in front of; across from] the king’s ·hall [quarters; ^Lhouse]. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, ·facing the doorway [across from the entrance]. ² When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, ·he was pleased [^Lshe obtained grace in his eyes]. He ·held out [extended] to her the gold scepter that was in his hand, so Esther ·went forward [approached; came near] and touched the ·end [tip] of it.

³ The king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What ·do you want to ask me [is your request]? I will give you as much as half of my kingdom.”