Esther 5
In Esther chapter 5, the story unfolds around how Esther courageously approaches the king in the face of a national crisis. In this chapter, it shows how, amid intense tension, Esther’s resolve and wisdom—and her actions after the fasting she offered to God—begin to take shape.
1verseNow on the third day, Esther put on her royal clothing and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, next to the king’s house. The king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house.
2verseWhen the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.
3verseThen the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.”
4verseEsther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
5verseThen the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that it may be done as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6verseThe king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”
7verseThen Esther answered and said, “My petition and my request is this.
8verseIf I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king has said.”
9verseThen Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart, but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he didn’t stand up nor move for him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai.
10verseNevertheless Haman restrained himself, and went home. There, he sent and called for his friends and Zeresh his wife.
11verseHaman recounted to them the glory of his riches, the multitude of his children, all the things in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
12verseHaman also said, “Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by her together with the king.
13verseYet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
14verseThen Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on it. Then go in merrily with the king to the banquet.” This pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.
Esther’s Risky Decision and Going to the King’s Residence
After her fasting was over, Esther stands in the courtyard inside the king’s palace. According to the laws of ancient Persia, anyone who approached the king without being summoned could risk being put to death. However, Esther goes before the king, risking her own life. The scene where the king holds out the golden scepter is a positive response to Esther’s courage, marking a turning point in her fate.
Esther’s First Banquet and a Wise Approach
Rather than stating her request immediately, Esther instead invites the king and Haman to a banquet. And even at the banquet, she invites them again, once more, thereby postponing her request while also drawing attention and creating an atmosphere of tension. Through this, Esther demonstrates carefulness and wisdom.
Haman’s Pride and Resentment
Haman considers it a great honor that he has been invited to Esther’s banquet together with the king. However, he becomes furious when he sees Mordecai at the palace gate who does not bow to him. Haman takes his wife’s and friends’ advice and sets up a gallows to hang Mordecai. This shows Haman’s pride and wicked intentions.
Meditation Points
- Esther’s courage and wisdom prompt us to think about how we should act carefully in times of crisis.
- You can reflect on what attitude the Jewish people should have when facing a crisis, and consider your posture of faith and life.
- Through Haman’s attitude, you can examine how someone else’s approval or a self-centered heart can lead to wrong choices.
Apply It to Yourself
- When faced with an important decision, how courageously—and how carefully—I act?
- You can check whether you are approaching the situation with wisdom and love, not with my own selfishness or pride.
- As you review your actions and attitude in the face of crisis or fear, think about where the source you rely on really is.
