The answer is: The golden sceptre

Esther 5:2

In the Book of Esther, the golden sceptre symbolizes the authority and favor of the king, particularly in an era when approaching royalty was fraught with peril. To approach Ahasuerus without being summoned could mean death; however, when Esther stepped forward and the king extended his sceptre, it marked a pivotal moment. This gesture not only granted her a place of honor but also reaffirmed her courage and the weight of her mission to save her people.

Interestingly, there’s a powerful contrast here to other scriptural encounters of divine authority. Just as Esther approached a mortal king, one can think about how people came before God in prayer or supplication in various biblical stories. For instance, Moses approached God at Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments, while Solomon’s wisdom led to God answering him with generosity.

The sceptre itself holds deep implications beyond a mere royal accessory. In ancient kingship symbolism, the sceptre often represented justice and power, much like how God, as described in Psalm 110:1, holds authority over all.

Isn’t it fascinating how God’s mercy offered to individuals mirrors the king's extending the sceptre? Both acts serve as powerful representations of openness, inviting those in distress or seeking help to come forward—a universal theme found woven throughout the tapestry of the scriptures.