1 Now it came about AEsth 4:16on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood BEsth 4:11; 6:4in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s 1Lit houserooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the 2Lit royal housethrone room, opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, AEsth 2:9she obtained favor in his sight; and BEsth 4:11; 8:4the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. 3 Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? AEsth 7:2; Mark 6:23Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.” 4 Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

5 Then the king said, “AEsth 6:14Bring Haman quickly that we may do 1Lit the word of Estheras Esther desires.” So the king and Haman came to the banquet which Esther had prepared. 6 1Lit at the banquet of wineAs they drank their wine at the banquet, AEsth 7:2the king said to Esther, “BEsth 5:3What is your petition, for it shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.” 7 So Esther replied, “My petition and my request is: 8 AEsth 7:3; 8:5if I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and do 1Lit my requestwhat I request, may the king and Haman come to BEsth 6:14the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do 2Lit according to the word of the kingas the king says.”

9 Then Haman went out that day glad and pleased of heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai AEsth 2:19in the king’s gate and BEsth 3:5that he did not stand up or 1Or move fortremble before him, Haman was filled with anger against Mordecai. 10 Haman controlled himself, however, went to his house and 1Lit sent and broughtsent for his friends and his wife AEsth 6:13Zeresh. 11 Then Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, and the 1Lit multitudeAEsth 9:7-10number of his sons, and every instance where the king had magnified him and how he had 2Lit liftedBEsth 3:1promoted him above the princes and servants of the king. 12 Haman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and AEsth 5:8tomorrow also I am 1Lit summoned to herinvited by her with the king. 13  “Yet all of this 1Lit is not suitable to medoes not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at AEsth 5:9the king’s gate.” 14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “AEsth 6:4; 7:9, 10Have a 1Lit treegallows fifty cubits high made and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it; then go joyfully with the king to the banquet.” And the 2Lit thingadvice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.