Definition: Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short passage from Esther 5:3. It's a really important moment in the story – it sets up a crucial plan for protecting the Jewish people during a time of great danger! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: King Darius was worried about a rebellion happening within his kingdom. He asked Esther, the Queen of Persia, what she wanted. She responded that she wanted to be given a portion of the kingdom – essentially, a smaller piece of land or territory. Let’s unpack it further: “Then said the king unto her…” - This is a formal statement from the king, setting the context. “…what [is] thy request?” – He's asking her directly what she wants to do. "...it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.” – This is the key part! He’s offering her a portion of the kingdom, but not the whole thing. It means she gets a smaller piece than the rest of the land. What does this all mean practically? At the time, the Jewish people were facing a serious threat from Persia. Darius was planning to invade and conquer them. Esther’s response is a brilliant strategy – it protects her people while giving her a chance to do something important. Why is this significant? This verse shows: Strategic Thinking: Esther understands that she can't fight a war alone. She needs to be strategic and plan ahead. Protecting the People: It’s about safeguarding the Jewish people – their faith, their lives, and their future. Taking Initiative: Esther is taking a proactive role and using her position to protect her people. In short, this verse highlights Esther's bravery and intelligence as she uses her position to ensure the safety of her kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of Esther 5:3 in more detail?