The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8

Esther 5

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Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

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And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

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Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

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And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

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5

Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

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And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

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Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

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If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

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9

Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

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Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

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And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

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Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

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Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.

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Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

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Chapter Study & Analysis

Overview

Esther 5 records Esther putting on her royal robes and standing in the inner court. The king grants her favor, and she invites him and Haman to a banquet. Haman, though joyful, is still consumed by hatred for Mordecai and builds a gallows.

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS

1. Preparation and Presentation: Esther dressed appropriately for her mission (v. 1). Excellence in our "outward" presentation can reflect the seriousness of our "inward" purpose.
2. The Wisdom of Patience: Esther didn’t rush her request; she invited them to a banquet first. Discernment means knowing when to speak and when to build a bridge first.
3. The Blindness of Malice: Haman was rich and honored, yet he couldn't enjoy it because of one man (v. 13). Unresolved bitterness will poison even the greatest success.

Practical Lessons

FORMAL PRAYER

Lord, grant us favor as we stand in the courts of this world. Give us the patience to wait for the right moment and the wisdom to act with grace, even in the face of those who plot against us. Amen.

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