1
Now it came about on the thirdday that Estherput on her royalrobes and stood in the innercourt of the king'spalace in front of the king'srooms, and the king was sitting on his royalthrone in the throneroom, opposite the entrance to the palace.
2
When the kingsawEsther the queenstanding in the court, she obtainedfavor in his sight; and the kingextended to Esther the goldenscepterwhich was in his hand. So Esthercamenear and touched the top of the scepter.
6
As they drank their wine at the banquet, the kingsaid to Esther, "What 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 Estherreplied, "My petition and my request is:
yit'v'Q;b.W yit'lea.v r;ma{T;w reT.s,a !;[;T;w
8
if I have foundfavor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and dowhat I request, may the king and Hamancome to the banquetwhich I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the kingsays."
9
Then Hamanwent out that dayglad and pleased of heart; but when HamansawMordecai in the king'sgate and that he did not stand up or tremblebefore him, Haman was filled with angeragainstMordecai.
11
Then Hamanrecounted to them the glory of his riches, and the number of his sons, and every instance where the king had magnified him and how he had promoted him above the princes and servants of the king.
12
Hamanalsosaid, "EvenEsther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquetwhich she had prepared; and tomorrowalso I am invited by her with the king.
14
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friendssaid to him, "Have a gallowsfiftycubitshighmade and in the morningask the king to have Mordecaihanged on it; then gojoyfully with the king to the banquet." And the advicepleasedHaman, so he had the gallowsmade.