The answer is: Two

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

In the vibrant story of Queen Esther, we find not just a courageous heroine but also some culinary drama! She holds two key banquets, each carefully orchestrated to set the stage for her bold invitation to the king.

The first banquet takes place in Esther 5, where she invites King Xerxes and his right-hand man, Haman, to dine. It's an intriguing moment because instead of revealing her true intentions right away, Esther appears to savor the mystery. Each invitation has a deeper purpose, mirroring how meals in biblical times were often tied to significant social and political events. Notably, in ancient cultures, dining together fostered trust and connection, making it the perfect backdrop for her imminent plea.

With the second banquet, featured in Esther 7, the tension thickens! Here, Esther finally reveals her identity and the plans for her people's demise, turning the atmosphere that began so celebratory into a fulcrum of tension. Think about it: there's drama, intrigue, and truth dropped like a confession at the dinner table!

Fun fact: Esther's name actually means "star," which is wonderfully symbolic since she rises in the story to shine light on darkness, just as stars pierce through the night sky. Also, her Persian name, Hadassah, hints at her heritage—druce, her Hebrew name stands as a nod from the writer at a deeper cultural reference. Her decisive actions instill lasting lessons on courage and identity, pivotal in emphasizing unity and advocacy against injustices. Can't resist a good curry or bagel, right? Well, draw orčně power from a good meal—we might learn something when we engage fully!