While they were still speaking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived. They quickly brought Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Although it grieved the king deeply, ¹  he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests.

Then ¹  Levi gave a great banquet ²  in his house for Jesus, ³  and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting ⁴  at the table with them.

As he spoke, ¹  a Pharisee ²  invited Jesus ³  to have a meal with him, so he went in and took his place at the table. ⁴ 

When ¹  one of those at the meal with Jesus ²  heard this, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone ³  who will feast ⁴  in the kingdom of God!” ⁵ 

For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, ¹  or the one who serves? Is it not ²  the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one ³  who serves.

Haman’s ¹  wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows seventy-five feet ²  high built, and in the morning tell the king that Mordecai should be hanged on it. Then go with the king to the banquet contented.” ³  It seemed like a good idea to Haman, so he had the gallows built.

They got their gifts ready for Joseph’s arrival ¹  at noon, for they had heard ²  that they were to have a meal ³  there.

Then he washed his face and came out. With composure he said, ¹  “Set out the food.”

Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will be empty.

A psalm of David. Lord, who may be a guest in your home? ²  Who may live on your holy hill? ³ 

“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” she says ¹  to those ²  who lack understanding. ³ 

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully ¹  what ²  is before you,

He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then ¹  she got up and began to serve them.

But when the king came in to see the wedding guests, he saw a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes.

But ¹  those who were at the table ²  with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”

Woe to you Pharisees! You love the best seats ¹  in the synagogues ²  and elaborate greetings ³  in the marketplaces!

If I have found favor in the king’s sight and if the king is inclined ¹  to grant my request and perform my petition, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet that I will prepare for them. At that time ²  I will do as the king wishes. ³ 

Haman said, “Furthermore, Queen Esther invited ¹  only me to accompany the king to the banquet that she prepared! And also tomorrow I am invited ²  along with the king.

But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host ¹  approaches he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up here to a better place.’ ²  Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you.