Esther 5:1,2

It came to pass on the third day Of which see the notes on Esther 4:16. Esther put on her royal apparel That she might render herself as amiable in the king's eyes as she could, and so obtain her request. The king sat upon his royal throne, over against the gate, &c. So that he could see every one that came into the court. And the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre In testimony that he pardoned her presumption, and was ready to grant her request, and therefore inviting her to approach. So Esther drew near and touched the top of the sceptre In token of her thankful acceptance of the king's favour, and of her reverence and submission: for, as the sceptre was the ensign of the highest and most absolute authority in the king, so the queen's touching it, or, as some say, kissing it, was a token of her subjection and thankfulness for his favour.