Esther 5:4-8

“If it please the king,” said Esther, “let the king come with Haman to a dinner I’ve prepared for him.” “Get Haman at once,” said the king, “so we can go to dinner with Esther.” So the king and Haman joined Esther at the dinner she had arranged. As they were drinking the wine, the king said, “Now, what is it you want? Half of my kingdom isn’t too much to ask! Just ask.” Esther answered, “Here’s what I want. If the king favors me and is pleased to do what I desire and ask, let the king and Haman come again tomorrow to the dinner that I will fix for them. Then I’ll give a straight answer to the king’s question.” * * *