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Esther

Chapter 5

Esther Approaches the King and Haman’s Plot against Mordecai

Esther finally enters the king's presence, survives the risk, and begins her appeal without yet naming it. The chapter then turns to Haman, whose delight at royal favor collapses back into fury when Mordecai still refuses him, and that fury settles on a plan to hang Mordecai before the next banquet.

After Esther's resolve in chapter 4, this chapter begins her action but delays its full disclosure. At the same time it tightens the danger around Mordecai, so Esther's measured approach and Haman's escalating rage now advance side by side toward collision.

2 sections·417 words·~2 min read

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Esther 5

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vv. 1-8

Esther Approaches the King

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O1n the third day, Esther put on her royal robes 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. 2As 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.” 6So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 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.”

7Esther replied, “This is my petition and my request: 8If 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.”

vv. 9-14

Haman’s Plot against Mordecai

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T9hat 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. 10Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,

11Haman 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. 13Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

14His 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.”

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  1. 01vv. 1-8Esther Approaches the KingEsther enters the inner court in royal robes and finds the favor she had feared might be withheld. Yet instead of making her request at once, she draws the king and Haman into a banquet and then postpones her answer again until the following day.
  2. 02vv. 9-14Haman’s Plot against MordecaiHaman leaves the banquet exulting in his standing, only to have his joy shattered again by Mordecai's refusal to honor him. At home he recites his wealth, sons, and favor before king and queen, but admits that none of it satisfies him while Mordecai lives, and his household urges him toward the gallows.
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