The answer is: The king and Haman

Esther 7:1

Queen Esther’s strategic choice in inviting both King Xerxes and Haman to her banquets is a textbook example of clever diplomacy—high-stakes maneuvering in the corridors of power. Imagine the tension bubbling beneath the surface of those lavish gatherings! On one hand, you have the king, known for his impulsive nature and grandiose lifestyle, and on the other hand, Haman, who was riding high on his own arrogance following his recent promotion.

What makes this journey even more fascinating is the magnitude of the risk Esther was taking. As a Jew in Persia, she wasn’t just navigating dietary choices at a feast; she was setting the stage for her people’s very survival. By artfully orchestrating the meals and the timing, she was preparing the perfect trap for Haman, who had earlier plotted to execute her cousin, Mordecai.

Additionally, consider how significant meals are throughout the Bible! Think of the Last Supper or the myriad of feasting accounts interwoven in both the Old and New Testaments. They all underscore the importance of community, identity, and often, deep-seated conflict.

So, as Esther served her guests, she was not merely putting on a show; she was standing at the frontier of her people's fate, cloaked not just in royal finery but in wisdom and courage that echo through history. Fascinating, isn’t it? How even a meal can be a meal of decisions with eternal consequences.