5:1 It so happened that on the third day Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace, 1 opposite the king’s quarters. 2 The king was sitting on his royal throne in the palace, opposite the entrance. 3 5:2 When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she met with his approval. 4 The king extended to Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.
5:3 The king said to her, “What is on your mind, 5 Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you!”