Esther 5 Commentary: Queen Esther’s Courageous Approach and God’s Providence in Action

Understanding Esther Chapter 5

Esther chapter 5 marks the pivotal moment in the book of Esther where Queen Esther demonstrates remarkable courage and wisdom. This chapter reveals God’s providence working through human actions as Esther approaches King Xerxes uninvited to save her people from destruction. The chapter showcases themes of divine timing, courageous faith, and strategic wisdom in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

The events recorded in Esther 5 take place during the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). These events follow Haman’s wicked plot to destroy all Jews throughout the Persian kingdom. Esther’s uncle Mordecai has urged her to use her position as queen to intercede for her people, leading to this crucial moment of decision.

Esther’s Preparation and Courage

Queen Esther’s approach to King Xerxes demonstrates careful preparation combined with bold faith. The Jewish queen understood the gravity of her situation and the potential consequences of her actions. Persian law strictly forbade anyone from approaching the king without invitation, with death being the standard penalty unless the king extended his golden scepter.

Esther’s three-day fast, along with her servants and the Jews in Susa, shows the spiritual preparation undertaken before this critical mission. Fasting was commonly practiced in times of crisis, seeking divine intervention and guidance. This period of fasting reveals Esther’s dependence on God’s strength rather than her own abilities or position.

The courage displayed by Esther becomes even more remarkable when considering her background as an orphaned Jewish girl who became queen through God’s providence. Her willingness to risk her life for her people demonstrates the transformation from a passive participant in events to an active agent of deliverance.

Divine Providence and Human Responsibility

Esther chapter 5 illustrates the biblical principle that God works through human actions and decisions to accomplish His purposes. While God’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His providential hand is clearly evident throughout the narrative. Esther’s successful approach to the king demonstrates God’s favor and protection.

The timing of events in this chapter reveals divine orchestration beyond human planning. King Xerxes’ favorable response to Esther’s unexpected appearance shows God’s control over the hearts of rulers, as mentioned in Proverbs 21:1. The king’s immediate willingness to grant Esther’s request, even up to half his kingdom, indicates supernatural favor.

Human responsibility remains crucial throughout these events. Esther’s decision to act courageously, despite the risks, shows how God uses willing individuals to accomplish His purposes. The combination of divine sovereignty and human responsibility creates a powerful example for believers facing difficult circumstances.

Verse by Verse Commentary – Esther 5:1-8

Esther 5:1 – On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.

The third day marks the completion of the fasting period Esther had requested. Her choice to wear royal robes demonstrates wisdom in presentation and respect for the king’s position. The inner court was the most restricted area of the palace, emphasizing the boldness of Esther’s action.

King Xerxes’ position on his throne facing the entrance suggests he could immediately see anyone who approached. This detail heightens the tension of the moment, as Esther’s presence would be instantly visible to the king. The formal setting underscores the gravity of what Esther was attempting.

Esther 5:2 – When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

The king’s pleasure at seeing Esther indicates divine favor working in her situation. His immediate extension of the golden scepter shows God’s control over the king’s heart and emotions. This favorable response exceeded what Esther might have expected based on Persian law and protocol.

Esther’s touching of the scepter’s tip demonstrates proper protocol and respect for the king’s authority. This action officially granted her permission to speak and removed the threat of immediate death. The successful completion of this crucial first step reveals God’s protection and blessing.

Esther 5:3 – Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”

The king’s generous offer demonstrates the extent of his favor toward Esther. The phrase “up to half the kingdom” was likely a conventional expression of royal generosity rather than a literal offer. However, it indicates the king’s willingness to grant significant requests from his queen.

This immediate offer of such magnitude shows God’s preparation of the king’s heart before Esther’s arrival. The king’s favorable disposition creates the perfect opportunity for Esther to present her petition for her people’s salvation.

Esther 5:4 – “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

Esther’s wisdom appears in her indirect approach to the real issue. Rather than immediately presenting her petition, she invites the king to a banquet. This strategy demonstrates understanding of proper timing and the importance of creating the right atmosphere for her request.

The inclusion of Haman in the invitation shows Esther’s strategic thinking. By having Haman present, she ensures that her eventual accusation against him will be made directly in his presence, preventing any possibility of miscommunication or denial.

The Significance of the Banquet Strategy

Esther’s decision to host a banquet rather than immediately present her petition reveals sophisticated wisdom and understanding of human nature. Banquets in ancient Persian culture were occasions of honor, friendship, and important communication. By choosing this setting, Esther creates an atmosphere conducive to her ultimate purpose.

The timing of the banquet invitation also demonstrates Esther’s understanding of divine timing. Rather than rushing into her petition, she allows God’s providence to work through natural circumstances. This patience shows mature faith that trusts God’s timing rather than human urgency.

Persian royal banquets were elaborate affairs that demonstrated wealth, power, and honor. By hosting such an event, Esther honors both the king and Haman, creating an environment where her later accusations against Haman will be more shocking and effective.

Haman’s Pride and Downfall Beginning

The second part of Esther chapter 5 focuses on Haman’s response to the royal invitation and his growing pride and hatred toward Mordecai. These verses reveal the destructive nature of pride and hatred while showing how God’s providence works even through the evil intentions of wicked people.

Verse by Verse Commentary – Esther 5:5-8 (Continued)

Esther 5:5 – “Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.

The king’s immediate response shows his eagerness to please Queen Esther. His command to bring Haman quickly demonstrates the priority he places on Esther’s request. This rapid response indicates the favor Esther has found with the king through God’s providence.

Haman’s attendance at this banquet represents the beginning of his downfall, though he remains unaware of the trap being set. His presence at this honored position actually places him closer to his eventual judgment and destruction.

Esther 5:6 – As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

The setting of wine drinking indicates the relaxed, festive atmosphere of the banquet. The king’s repeated offer shows his continued favor toward Esther and his genuine desire to grant her requests. This repetition emphasizes the king’s generosity and Esther’s opportunity.

The timing of this second offer, during the banquet, demonstrates Esther’s wisdom in creating the right atmosphere. The king’s generosity appears even greater in this festive setting, preparing the way for Esther’s eventual request for her people’s lives.

Esther 5:7-8 – Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”

Esther’s response reveals continued strategic wisdom. Rather than presenting her petition immediately, she extends the suspense by inviting them to a second banquet. This delay allows God’s providence more time to work and builds greater anticipation for her eventual request.

The invitation for a second banquet also provides additional time for circumstances to develop favorably for the Jews. This delay, which might seem like hesitation, actually demonstrates faith in God’s timing and understanding of the gravity of her eventual request.

Haman’s Boastful Pride and Murderous Hatred

Esther 5:9 – Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai.

Haman’s happiness demonstrates his pride in being specially honored by the queen’s invitation. His high spirits reveal how much his ego was fed by this royal recognition. This elevated emotional state makes his subsequent rage even more intense and irrational.

Mordecai’s continued refusal to show deference to Haman maintains the tension that drives the entire narrative. His courage in maintaining his principles, despite the danger, shows the same kind of faithfulness that characterizes Esther’s actions.

Esther 5:10 – Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife,

Haman’s self-restraint in this public setting shows his understanding of proper behavior in royal environments. However, this restraint is only temporary and serves to build up the pressure that will eventually explode in more destructive ways.

The gathering of friends and his wife Zeresh creates an audience for Haman’s boasting and provides the setting for the evil counsel that follows. This domestic scene contrasts sharply with the royal banquet, showing different aspects of Haman’s character.

The Gallows Plot

Esther 5:11-12 – Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow.”

Haman’s boasting reveals the pride that will ultimately destroy him. His emphasis on wealth, sons, and royal honors shows what he values most highly. These earthly achievements become meaningless in light of his eventual fate.

The specific mention of being the only person invited to Esther’s banquets shows how this honor feeds Haman’s ego. This very honor that makes him so proud will soon become the setting for his exposure and downfall.

Esther 5:13-14 – “But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

Haman’s dissatisfaction despite all his honors reveals the destructive nature of hatred and pride. One man’s refusal to bow completely destroys his ability to enjoy his many blessings. This shows how sin corrupts even legitimate achievements and honors.

The advice from his wife and friends demonstrates how evil counsel can accelerate destruction. The height of fifty cubits (about seventy-five feet) shows the extreme nature of their hatred and their desire for public humiliation of Mordecai.

Theological Themes and Lessons

The events in Esther 5 reveal several important theological themes. God’s providence works through human actions and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Divine timing appears throughout the chapter, showing that God’s plans unfold according to His perfect schedule rather than human urgency.

The contrast between Esther’s humble courage and Haman’s proud hatred illustrates the different paths available to people in positions of influence. Esther uses her position to serve others and save lives, while Haman uses his position to serve himself and destroy lives.

The theme of justice appears prominently as the very honors that feed Haman’s pride become the instruments of his eventual judgment. The gallows he builds for Mordecai will ultimately be used for his own execution, demonstrating God’s perfect justice.

Cross References

Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Haman’s boastful pride in Esther 5 perfectly illustrates this principle, as his arrogance leads directly to his downfall.

Proverbs 21:1 – In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. King Xerxes’ favorable response to Esther demonstrates God’s control over rulers’ hearts.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. The events in Esther 5 show God working through difficult circumstances for the ultimate good of His people.

James 4:6 – But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” The contrast between humble Esther receiving favor and proud Haman heading toward destruction illustrates this biblical principle.

1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Esther’s humble approach and dependence on God result in her elevation and success in saving her people.