Esther Is Received by the King - Holy Bible, Esther

Do you like to read Bible?
Esther Is Received by the King
The king said to her, ôWhat do you wish, Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to half of my kingdom.ö And Esther said, ôToday is a special day for me. If it pleases the king, let him and Haman come to the dinner that I shall prepare today.ö Then the king said, ôBring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther desires.ö So they both came to the dinner that Esther had spoken about. While they were drinking wine, the king said to Esther, ôWhat is it, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you.ö She said, ôMy petition and request is: if I have found favor in the sight of the king, let the king and Haman come to the dinner that I shall prepare them, and tomorrow I will do as I have done today.ö On the third day, when she ended her prayer, she took off the garments in which she had worshiped, and arrayed herself in splendid attire. Then, majestically adorned, after invoking the aid of the all-seeing God and Savior, she took two maids with her; on one she leaned gently for support, while the other followed, carrying her train. She was radiant with perfect beauty, and she looked happy, as if beloved, but her heart was frozen with fear. When she had gone through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was seated on his royal throne, clothed in the full array of his majesty, all covered with gold and precious stones. He was most terrifying. Lifting his face, flushed with splendor, he looked at her in fierce anger. The queen faltered, and turned pale and faint, and collapsed on the head of the maid who went in front of her. Then God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness, and in alarm he sprang from his throne and took her in his arms until she came to herself. He comforted her with soothing words, and said to her, ôWhat is it, Esther? I am your husband. Take courage; You shall not die, for our law applies only to our subjects. Come near.ö Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it; he embraced her, and said, ôSpeak to me.ö She said to him, ôI saw you, my lord, like an angel of God, and my heart was shaken with fear at your glory. For you are wonderful, my lord, and your countenance is full of grace.ö And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell. Then the king was agitated, and all his servants tried to comfort her.
catholic, bible, holy bible, word of god, book, free catholic books, free christian books, new testament, old testament, christianity, christian
The Exodus Horace William Petherick (1839-1919) Museum of Croydon, Photo credit: Croydon Art Collection
• Sacred Music for Class...
New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.