Esther 5
BSB1 On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. 2 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. 3 “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you." 4 “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king." 5 “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. 6 And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled." 7 Esther replied, “This is my petition and my request: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question." 9 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. 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh, 11 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. 12 “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. 13 Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate." 14 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.
Study Notes — Esther 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Esther 5
- Themes from Esther 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Esther 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Esther 5 begins with Esther putting on her royal robes and approaching King Ahasuerus, who is seated on his throne. The king extends his scepter to her, indicating his favor, and Esther invites him and Haman to a banquet. At the banquet, the king asks Esther what her request is, but she delays her answer, inviting them to another banquet the next day. Meanwhile, Haman is filled with rage against Mordecai, and his friends and family advise him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai. However, that night, the king has trouble sleeping and orders his servants to read to him from the chronicles of his reign, where he is reminded of Mordecai's loyalty in uncovering a plot against him. This sets the stage for the dramatic events of the next chapter.
Context for the Chapter
Esther chapter 5 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Esther, which tells the story of the Jewish people's deliverance from persecution in the Persian Empire. The chapter follows Esther's decision to approach the king and plead for her people's lives, and it sets the stage for the dramatic events of the next chapter. The book of Esther is part of the historical books of the Old Testament, and it provides insight into the experiences of the Jewish people during the Persian period.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to be courageous in the face of adversity and to trust in God's sovereignty. Just as Esther found favor with the king and was able to approach him, we can approach God with confidence and find mercy and grace to help in time of need. We should also be mindful of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about Esther's brave approach to the king to ask for help for her people. She finds favor with the king and is able to invite him and Haman to a banquet. Meanwhile, Haman is angry with Mordecai and wants to hurt him. The king has trouble sleeping and is reminded of Mordecai's loyalty. This chapter shows that God is in control and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. (Esther 5:1-14)
Voices from the Church
“The scepter of divine grace is always extended to those who come to God in faith and humility, and it is a symbol of His favor and acceptance.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The king's favor towards Esther is a reminder that God is the one who gives us favor and acceptance, and that we should approach Him with confidence and humility.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Esther's Approach to the King (5:1-8) — Esther puts on her royal robes and approaches the king, who extends his scepter to her, indicating his favor. She invites him and Haman to a banquet, but delays her request until the next day.
- Haman's Rage Against Mordecai (5:9-14) — Haman is filled with rage against Mordecai and builds a gallows to hang him, but the king's trouble sleeping and subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign remind him of Mordecai's loyalty.
- The King's Favor Towards Esther — The king's favor towards Esther is evident in his extension of the golden scepter, which allows her to approach him and plead for her people's lives.
- The Significance of the Banquet — The banquet is a setting for the drama that unfolds, as Esther invites the king and Haman to dine with her, and the king's favor towards her becomes apparent.
- The Turning Point: The King's Sleeplessness — The king's trouble sleeping and his subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign serve as a turning point in the story, as it reminds him of Mordecai's loyalty and sets the stage for the dramatic events of the next chapter.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is in control of all events, even those that seem random or insignificant, and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes.
- The Importance of Courage
- The chapter highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger and uncertainty, and of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
- The Concept of Favor
- The concept of finding favor is a key theme in this chapter, as Esther finds favor with the king and is able to approach him and plead for her people's lives.
- The Danger of Pride and Ambition
- Haman's rage and ambition serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power and status.
Lessons from Esther 5
- Courage in the Face of Adversity — This chapter teaches us to be courageous in the face of adversity and to trust in God's sovereignty, just as Esther did when she approached the king.
- The Importance of Favor — The concept of finding favor is a key theme in this chapter, and it reminds us of the importance of finding favor with God and with those in authority.
- The Danger of Pride and Ambition — Haman's rage and ambition serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power and status.
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is in control of all events, even those that seem random or insignificant, and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes.
- The Importance of Standing Up for What is Right — The chapter highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger and uncertainty, and of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
Themes from Esther 5
- Courage and Faith — This chapter teaches us to be courageous in the face of adversity and to trust in God's sovereignty, just as Esther did when she approached the king.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter reminds us that God is in control of all events, even those that seem random or insignificant, and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes.
- The Importance of Favor — The concept of finding favor is a key theme in this chapter, and it reminds us of the importance of finding favor with God and with those in authority.
- The Danger of Pride and Ambition — Haman's rage and ambition serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power and status.
- The Importance of Standing Up for What is Right — The chapter highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger and uncertainty, and of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Esther's approach to the king, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the concept of favor relate to our own experiences and relationships?
- What role does pride and ambition play in Haman's downfall, and what warning does this serve for us?
- How does the king's sleeplessness and subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign serve as a turning point in the story, and what does this reveal about God's sovereignty?
- What does this chapter teach us about the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger and uncertainty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Esther's Approach to the King (5:1-5)
| 5:1 | Esther puts on her royal robes and approaches the king, who is seated on his throne. |
| 5:2 | The king extends his scepter to Esther, indicating his favor, and she touches the top of the scepter. |
| 5:3 | The king asks Esther what her request is, and she invites him and Haman to a banquet. |
| 5:4 | Esther delays her request until the next day, and the king and Haman come to the banquet. |
| 5:5 | The king again asks Esther what her request is, and she invites him and Haman to another banquet the next day. |
2. Haman's Rage Against Mordecai (5:6-14)
| 5:6 | Haman is filled with rage against Mordecai and builds a gallows to hang him. |
| 5:7 | Haman's advisors encourage him to build the gallows, and he does so. |
| 5:8 | The king has trouble sleeping and orders his servants to read to him from the chronicles of his reign. |
| 5:9 | The king is reminded of Mordecai's loyalty in uncovering a plot against him, and he begins to think about how to honor Mordecai. |
| 5:10 | Haman's rage and ambition serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power and status. |
| 5:11 | The king's sleeplessness and subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign serve as a turning point in the story. |
| 5:12 | The king begins to think about how to honor Mordecai, and he orders his servants to bring him royal robes and a horse. |
| 5:13 | The king orders Haman to lead Mordecai through the city, proclaiming his honor and loyalty. |
| 5:14 | Haman's wife and friends advise him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai, but the king's plans for Mordecai's honor will ultimately prevail. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the golden scepter in Esther 5:2?
The golden scepter is a symbol of the king's authority and power, and Esther's touching of it represents her acceptance of his favor and her willingness to submit to his authority. (Esther 5:2)
Why does Haman build a gallows to hang Mordecai?
Haman builds a gallows to hang Mordecai because he is filled with rage against him and wants to punish him for not bowing down to him. (Esther 5:9-14)
What is the significance of the king's sleeplessness and subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign?
The king's sleeplessness and subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign serve as a turning point in the story, as it reminds him of Mordecai's loyalty and sets the stage for the dramatic events of the next chapter. (Esther 5:8-14)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 5:1 → Proverbs 21:1 | The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, and He turns it wherever He wishes, just as Esther's approach to the king is successful because of God's sovereignty. |
| 2 | Esther 5:2 → Psalm 84:11 | The Lord gives favor and honor, and no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly, just as the king extends his scepter to Esther and gives her favor. |
| 3 | Esther 5:3 → Matthew 7:7-8 | Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you, just as Esther asks the king for a banquet and he grants her request. |
| 4 | Esther 5:4 → Luke 14:12-14 | When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, just as Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet. |
| 5 | Esther 5:6 → James 1:20 | The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God, just as Haman's rage against Mordecai does not achieve justice. |
| 6 | Esther 5:7 → Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall, just as Haman's pride and ambition lead to his downfall. |
| 7 | Esther 5:8 → Psalm 127:2 | It is in vain that you rise early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil, just as the king's sleeplessness is a result of his anxious thoughts. |
| 8 | Esther 5:9 → 1 Peter 5:6 | Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, just as Mordecai's humility ultimately leads to his exaltation. |
Sermons on Esther 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The King Held Out to Esther The by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer illustrates the significance of Esther's approach to the king as a powerful metaphor for our relationship with God. He emphasizes that, like Esther, repentant sinners ca |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Esther 5
In this chapter, we see the bravery and wisdom of Esther as she approaches the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet. The king's favor towards Esther is evident in his extension of the golden scepter, and his subsequent actions towards Mordecai demonstrate his justice and fairness. Meanwhile, Haman's rage and ambition serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the pursuit of power and status. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. We are also encouraged to cultivate humility and to seek favor with God, just as Esther did, and to trust in His goodness and mercy. (Esther 5:1-14) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The King's Favor
The king's favor towards Esther is evident in his extension of the golden scepter, which allows her to approach him. This favor gives her the courage to plead for her people's lives. It is also notable that the king's favor is not just a product of Esther's beauty, but also of her courage and wisdom in approaching him.
Haman's Rage
Haman's rage against Mordecai is a significant aspect of the chapter, as it drives the plot and sets the stage for the events of the next chapter. Haman's advisors encourage him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai, which serves as a symbol of the danger and uncertainty that Esther and the Jews face.
The King's Sleeplessness
The king's trouble sleeping and his subsequent reading of the chronicles of his reign serve as a turning point in the story, as it reminds him of Mordecai's loyalty and sets the stage for the dramatic events of the next chapter.