3 The king said to her, “What is on your mind, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you!”
4 Esther replied, “If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
5 The king replied, “Find Haman quickly so that we can do as Esther requests.”So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6 While at the banquet of wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your request? It shall be given to you. What is your petition? Ask for as much as half the kingdom, and it shall be done!”
7 Esther responded, “My request and my petition is this:
8 If I have found favor in the king’s sight and if the king is inclined to grant my request and perform my petition, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet that I will prepare for them. At that time I will do as the king wishes.
9 Now Haman went forth that day pleased and very much encouraged. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, and he did not rise nor tremble in his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.