Esther-What is Your Request?

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylonia. My title doesn't give me many privileges other than to live in the King's palace.

I don't make important decisions for the kingdom, I basically am available to visit the king or do something for him when he asks.

Everyone knows that visiting the king without his permission could result in death. I was no exception.

I stood at the door to his throne room and trembled. He sat on his throne looking very sad. The guard called to him. The king looked up at me. Quite to my surprise, a smile poked on his face. I didn't know why. I only hoped he wouldn't be displeased I came to speak to him without his permission.

Sweat made my hands moist. A guard in uniform, holding his weapon, stood next to me. I didn't know if the king would sentence me to death or not.

I stood still, waiting to see what he would do.

He looked down at his hand with the scepter then back at me. Like he forgot he needed to give the signal for me to approach his throne or be hauled off to be killed.

He smiled even bigger and held his scepter out to me. "Please approach, Esther." 

I did as he asked. I walked down the long aisle toward his throne and at the mark on the floor stopped. I bowed. 

"What is it, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you."

Oh. The Almighty God has rescued me! He has let me approach the king's throne and given me permission to speak to the king. My heart was so happy I could barely answer the question.

...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What power did Queen Esther have?
2. Why did she have to stand at the door and wait for the king's permission?
3. Did the king give her permission to approach the throne?
4. What did he say to her?