UNROLL
A queen seen from behind, small and alone, standing on a long bare pavement toward a far open hall at early morning

The Book of

Esther 5

Three days without food. A law that means death. She stands where the king can see her, and waits.

14 verses≈ 3 min4 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

  1. 1–2A new queenVashti out, Esther crowned
  2. 3The plotHaman buys a decree
  3. 4–5The riskEsther goes to the kingChapter 5
  4. 6–7The turnA sleepless night, a gallows
  5. 8–9OverturnedA second decree, and Purim
  6. 10MordecaiSecond to the king

Esther Approaches the King

At dawn in a plain room a thin young queen stands fully robed and veiled while a maid sets the last fold of her veil

On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters.

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The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance.

As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Reflect

She went anyway

Esther “stood in the inner court” with no promise that the scepter would move. What is the thing you know you must do, without knowing how it will come out? What would it mean to fast and pray, and then go?

King Xerxes

“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”

Esther

“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”

King Xerxes

“Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.”

So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Question

Quick question

The king has just offered “Even up to half the kingdom.”

What did Esther ask for when the king first offered up to half the kingdom?

Haman’s Plot against Mordecai

At the king's gate a noble in crimson walks out with his chin high as men rise, and one plainly dressed man stays seated, their eyes meeting

That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.

Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.

0:19

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh, Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants.

Haman

“What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king. Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

Zeresh

His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.”

The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.

Pray

A prayer

Lord, give me a heart content with what You give. Keep me from the pride that one unbowed man can poison. Be near those who hold their peace at the gate while others plot against them. And thank You that the plans of the proud do not have the last word. Amen.

You’ve experienced

Esther 5

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A verse to carry with you

As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Esther 5:2

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