Esther's bravery

In the book of Esther, chapter 5, Esther braved to go before the king.  Upon seeing her, the king immediately held out his gold scepter, announcing that he approved of her coming to him.

The king asked what her request was, stating that he would give it to her, even if it was half of the kingdom.  She requested to come to a banquet she had prepared for him.

During the banquet, the king again asked for her request, and again stating that even if it was half the kingdom, he would give it to her.

She responded that she would like the king and Haman, the one who ordered the death of all the Jews, to come to a banquet the next day.  Then, and only then, would she explain her true request.  The king agreed.

After the grand feast, Haman gathered his friends and boasted about his great wealth, bragging about all that he had, even to the point of telling them that he was going to a feast the queen was preparing for him.  He then ordered a sharp pole set up so that he could impale Mordecai on it.

Continuing on in chapter 6, the king was unable to sleep that night and ordered an attendant to bring him a book that recorded the history of his reign.  He then discovered the account of Mordecai exposing the plot to assassinate the king.  He asked what kind of recognition was given to Mordecai for his brave act.

He discovered nothing was done for Mordecai, for saving his life.  Only then did he know about the pole Haman was going to use to impale Mordecai.  During the banquet, the king ordered his best robes to be placed on Mordecai, by Haman.  By chapter 7, during the banquet while the king was drinking much wine, the king again asked Esther for her request.  For a third time, he told her that if she wanted half of the kingdom, he would give it to her.

Then, with much bravery, she told of the plot to slaughter the Jews by the evil and wicked Haman.  The king was angered by this and Haman pleaded for his life.  The king then ordered Haman to be impaled on the pole intended for Mordecai.

It's amazing to think that three times Esther was offered half of the kingdom and instead she refused and exposed the evil plot against the Lord's people.  It took great bravery and love of the Lord for her to stand up to the king.