Esther 5:1-14
Q.1. Why was Esther courageous in seeking an audience with the king? How keen was the king to please Esther? Were her delay tactics wise? – (Esth.5:1-8)
Esther had not been summoned by the king for 30 days. She could have paid with her life, if the king was offended by her forwardness (Est.4:11). However, her entrance into the royal court was preceded by prayer and fasting from concerned Jews and her attendants, so – When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favour in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden sceptre which was in his hand … (Esth.5:2). His response was caring and generous, and he quickly responded to her request for a planned dinner with himself, and his key adviser, Haman (Esth.5:3-5). She was the most desirable woman in his empire, and in this happy state the king asked – … “What is your petition, for it shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.” (Est.5:6). His response was promising, but she needed more time with the king. If she had made an accusation against Haman at this early stage, her request that the edict be overturned may easily have been rejected. She asked – if I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and do what I request, may the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king says (Esth.5:8).
Q.2. What spoiled the party for Haman? How did he handle promotion and wealth? In what way were Haman and his wife two of a kind? – (Esth.5:9-14)
Haman was flattered by his invitation to the banquet arranged by the queen. However, he had to pass Mordecai at the king’s gate. This filled him with rage (Esth.5:9). Haman wanted to publicize his private elevation. He boasted that his wealth and importance were greater than that of the princes and nobles who served the king. His standing was underscored by Queen Esther’s invitation to join her and the king for yet another banquet (Esth.5:11-12). He expressed that his enjoyment was dampened by seeing Mordecai, the Jew, at the king’s gate. His wife, not to be outdone by Haman’s disregard for life, suggested that Haman fix this problem by erecting gallows fifty cubits high, on which to hang Mordecai. He embraced the idea with relish (Est.5:13-14). Zeresh was tailor made for Haman.Â