The answer is: Two

Esther 5:4,8 ; 7:1-2

Queen Esther is quite the figure of grace and intelligence in the Book of Esther! Holding two pivotal banquets was more than just a display of hospitality; it was part of her strategic plan to save her people. Just imagine the grandeur—lavish feasts filled with delicious food, rich wine, and glittering decorations! Banquets weren't just about eating, though; they were social occasions where power dynamics could shift, making them perfect stages for her crucial revelations.

At the first feast, Esther says to King Xerxes, "Come, Haman, today!" inviting them to dine together. This seemed a strange choice initially but demonstrated her clever approach, creating suspense—she hinted at something important without revealing her motives right away. That first banquet laid the groundwork for her bold revelation at the second, where she finally discloses Haman’s wicked scheme against her people. If she had just marched in demanding justice, who knows how the king might have reacted? Instead, Ester understands the delicate balance of relationships and often wielded her influence deftly throughout the story.

Love that Esther uses layers of communication, reflecting a broader human truth: sometimes, we need to create the right atmosphere to speak our truths. Fun trivia: the name Esther is thought to derive from the Persian word for "star," which just might remind us that even in dark days, a little star can bring light where it’s needed most!