Esther Risks Death to Approach the King

The law of Persia is absolute: anyone who approaches the king without being summoned is put to death — even the queen. Esther has not been called for thirty days. She knows the law. She fasts for three days and dresses in her royal robes. "If I perish, I perish." She walks into the inner court. The king sees her — and extends his golden scepter. She is spared. Her request: come to a banquet, and bring Haman.