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1Esther prayed for three days, then she changed her clothes and put on her royal robes once again.[#15.1 See Add C 4.16.; #15.1 See 14.2.]
2When Esther finished getting ready, she was beautiful. She prayed once more to God, the Savior who watches over all things, and she left with her two favorite servant girls.
3One of them helped her walk,
4and the other followed right behind and kept her long robes from dragging on the floor.
5Esther's beauty was perfect. Her face was glowing with happiness, as though she knew the king loved her. However, in her heart she felt paralyzed by fear.
6Finally Esther passed through the last doorway and into the throne room, where she stopped in front of King Artaxerxes. He was seated there, wearing majestic royal robes that were covered with jewels and gold—a terrifying sight.
7The king looked up, and his face was burning with royal anger. Queen Esther went pale! She fainted and fell right on top of her servant, who was just in front of her.[#15.7 One possible meaning for the difficult Greek text.]
8Then God changed the king's anger into concern for Esther, and the king jumped up and ran over to her. He took Esther in his arms, holding her until she came to. Then he comforted her and gently said,
9“Esther, what's wrong? Don't be afraid! I'm your husband,[#15.9 The Greek text has “brother,” which was sometimes used by a wife as a loving term for her husband.]
10so that law about being put to death doesn't apply to you; it only applies to our people. Please get up.”[#15.10 One possible meaning for the difficult Greek text.]
11-12Still holding her in his arms, the king touched Esther's neck with his golden scepter and said, “Esther, speak to me. Say something.”[#15.11,12 See the note at 4.11.]
13Esther replied, “Your Majesty, when I saw you, it was like seeing one of God's angels. I was struck with fear of your royal splendor.
14My king, your power is amazing, but your face is full of kindness.”
15Then Esther fainted and fell again.
16The king was worried and upset, and all his servants came and helped Esther.