14
While they were still talking, the king’s eunuchs arrived and quickly took Haman to the banquet Esther had prepared.
1
So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet.
2
On this second occasion, while they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!”
3
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared.
4
For my people and I have been sold to those who would kill, slaughter, and annihilate us. If we had merely been sold as slaves, I could remain quiet, for that would be too trivial a matter to warrant disturbing the king.”
5
“Who would do such a thing?” King Xerxes demanded. “Who would be so presumptuous as to touch you?”
6
Esther replied, “This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy.” Haman grew pale with fright before the king and queen.