As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favor with him. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.(A)

“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked her. “Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you.”(B)

“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet(C) I have prepared for them.”

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When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.(A)

Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom,(B) it will be given you.”

“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

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