Esther Plans a Banquet
1Now it came to pass on the thirdday,that Estherput on[her] royal[apparel], and stoodin the innercourtof the king'shouse,over againstthe king'shouse:and the kingsatupon his royalthronein the royalhouse,over againstthe gateof the house.2And it was so, when the kingsawEstherthe queenstandingin the court,[that] she obtainedfavourin his sight:and the kingheld outto Estherthe goldensceptrethat [was] in his hand.So Estherdrew near,and touchedthe topof the sceptre.3Then saidthe kingunto her, What wilt thou, queenEsther?and what [is] thy request?it shall be even giventhee to the halfof the kingdom.4And Estheranswered,If [it seem] goodunto the king,let the kingand Hamancomethis dayunto the banquetthat I have preparedfor him.
5Then the kingsaid,Cause Hamanto make haste,that he may doas Estherhath said.So the kingand Hamancameto the banquetthat Estherhad prepared.6And the kingsaidunto Estherat the banquetof wine,What [is] thy petition?and it shall be grantedthee: and what [is] thy request?even to the halfof the kingdomit shall be performed.7Then answeredEsther,and said,My petitionand my request[is];8If I have foundfavourin the sightof the king,and if it pleasethe kingto grantmy petition,and to performmy request,let the kingand Hamancometo the banquetthat I shall preparefor them, and I will doto morrowas the kinghath said.
Haman's Plot against Mordecai
9Then wentHamanforththat dayjoyfuland with a gladheart:but when HamansawMordecaiin the king'sgate,that he stood not up,nor movedfor him, hewas fullof indignationagainst Mordecai.10Nevertheless Hamanrefrainedhimself: and when he camehome,he sentand calledfor his friends,and Zereshhis wife.11And Hamantoldthem of the gloryof his riches,and the multitudeof his children,and all [the things] wherein the kinghad promotedhim, and how he had advancedhim above the princesand servantsof the king.12Hamansaidmoreover, Yea, Estherthe queendid let no man come inwith the kingunto the banquetthat she had preparedbut myself; and to morrowam I invitedunto her also with the king.13Yet all this availethme nothing, so long asI seeMordecaithe Jewsittingat the king'sgate.14Then saidZereshhis wifeand all his friendsunto him, Let a gallowsbe madeof fiftycubitshigh,and to morrowspeakthou unto the kingthat Mordecaimay be hangedthereon: then gothou in merrilywith the kingunto the banquet.And the thingpleasedHaman;and he causedthe gallowsto be made.
