Esther 5:1-14 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Esther 5:1-14. There are many great lessons we can learn from this passage. Let’s go!
Esther 5:1-2 (NIV)
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.
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.
On verses 1-2: Before approaching the king, Esther puts on her royal robes. By putting on her royal robes, this reminded everyone – especially Esther herself and her husband the king – who Esther was: that Esther is royalty. When Esther approaches King Xerxes, King Xerxes is pleased with her, accepts her into his presence and addresses her “Queen Esther” (v3). Likewise, when you approach your Father’s throne in heaven, put on your royal robes. In other words, remember who you are in Christ. Remember that you are robed in Christ’s righteousness, endowed with Christ’s authority, chosen and precious to God, pleasing and acceptable in His sight. When you see yourself that way, it changes the way you pray. You can approach God with confidence, authority, love and authenticity when you know who you are in Christ.
Esther 5:3 (NIV)
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.”
On verse 3: Once again we see King Xerxes’ carelessness and his tendency to speak rash words. Xerxes has not seen Esther in a month and his first words to Esther are, “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you” (v3; he would do it again in verse 6). Centuries later, another king would make a very similar rash promise. In Mark 6, King Herod of Israel would swear an oath to a young girl who danced for him, saying “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom” (Mark 6:24). He and others would end up paying dearly for that rash promise (see Mark 6:22-29). What can we learn from this? Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by making rash promises. Proverbs 13:3 sums it up well, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Even when someone tries to butter you up with praise or flattery, don’t make rash promises. As Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.”
Esther 5:4 (NIV)
4 “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”
On verses 4-8: In response to King Xerxes’ invitation to ask for anything she wants, Esther chooses to serve King Xerxes and Haman by throwing them a banquet. She does it not just once, but two nights in a row. This reminds me of Proverbs 18:16 which says, “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” In other words, Esther understood the power of showing grace and serving others. She understood that when you serve others well, those you serve tend to be much more willing to serve you when you ask. Whether it’s with God or with others, let’s not be consumers who are always thinking about what we can get for ourselves, but may we have the attitude of one who serves. We will be even more blessed when we do.
Esther 5:13 (NIV)
13 But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.”
On verses 9-13: At this time Haman had a lot going for him. He had just received a major promotion. He was wealthy. His family seemed to be prospering. Yet he could not enjoy any of the blessings because one individual, Mordecai, would not bow down to him. This narrow-minded, prideful, ungrateful, foolish approach to life would cause Haman to do great evil and would be Haman’s undoing. May we not be like Haman. May we not get caught up in one small problem that we cannot enjoy the far greater and more numerous blessings God has given.
Esther 5:14 (NIV)
14 His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built.
On verse 14: When they hear how unhappy Haman is because Mordecai would not bow down to him, Haman’s wife Zeresh and his friends advise Haman to set up a pole 75 feet tall and request the king to impale Mordecai on it. Haman proceeds to follow their advice.
What can we learn from this?
- Be careful who you take advice from. As Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
- How often do we act like Haman? We are bitter toward someone and all we want to do is punish them and humiliate them publicly. Seeking this kind of revenge often ends up back-firing. How much better off Haman would have been to forgive Mordecai and move on. Seeking revenge ultimately enslaves us. Forgiveness ultimately sets us free. Who is someone you need to stop trying to punish and start trying to forgive?
