the king held out to Esther the golden scepter] Which was a signe that her coming was well pleasing unto him, as ch. 4. 11. touched the top of the scepter] For the scepter being stretched out to her, the top was next her. This she toucheth, in acknowledgement of the kings favour, and of submitting her self and her petition to him. to the half of the kingdom] Meaning hereby, that whatsoever she asked, should be granted, as Mark 6:23.