Praying and fasting for two and a half days, Esther had been looking to the Lord for strength (Psalm 105:4). The Lord answered by giving her remarkable strength and courage. When the third day arrived, she prepared herself by putting on her royal robes. She went to stand in the inner court, a magnificent place where (according to other historical evidence) thirty-six great pillars stood.
From where the king was sitting, he was able to see Esther standing in the inner court. Would he react in the same way as he had toward Vashti when she had disobeyed his command? Even worse, would he give Esther the death penalty that she deserved according to law (Esther 4:11)?
1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace.