(1) В¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. (2) And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Highly interesting as the account here is of Esther's appearing before the king, and anxious as we feel ourselves while prosecuting the history, until the event of her success is known yet there is a subject which this tale naturally tends to awaken in the mind vastly more interesting, namely, of every poor sinner's appearing before GOD. Reader! hath not your own heart suggested the thought, and did not the relation of the state in the which Esther stood, lead your mind to consider how the sinner must one day stand, before the judgment seat of CHRIST. Precious JESUS! what unspeakable mercies hast thou bestowed upon thy people, in that their approach to GOD in thy blood and righteousness, is warranted, their acceptance insured, and the golden sceptre not only always held forth, but they are received as partakers of thy throne, and will one day sit down with thee in it, and be there forever. Revelation 3:21.