Esther 5:2-4

Expanded Bible

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.”

⁴ Esther answered, “My king, if it pleases ·you [^Lthe king], come today with Haman to a banquet that I have prepared for ·you [^Lhim].”