Esther 5

Esther 5 describes Queen Esther's bold decision to approach King Ahasuerus without being summoned, a risky move that could have resulted in her death. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet, where she plans to reveal her petition. Haman, meanwhile, is filled with pride but becomes enraged by Mordecai's continued refusal to honor him. At the advice of his wife and friends, he decides to build gallows to hang Mordecai, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.

Esther 5:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.
2 So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.
3 And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!”
4 So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther courageously approaches the king, risking her life because she had not been summoned. However, she finds favor in his eyes, and he extends the golden scepter, sparing her life. The king, willing to grant any request she has, even up to half his kingdom, listens as Esther invites him and Haman to a banquet. This invitation intrigues the king, and Haman is summoned quickly to join the event. Esther wisely delays her request to build suspense and set the stage for what is to come.

Esther 5:6-8 (NKJV)
6 At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!”
7 Then Esther answered and said, “My petition and request is this:
8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

During the banquet, the king again asks Esther to reveal her petition, offering to grant her request. Esther, however, chooses to delay once more, inviting the king and Haman to a second banquet the following day. This calculated move heightens the tension, allowing Esther more time to prepare for the revelation of her true request, and builds anticipation for what will unfold.

Esther 5:9-10 (NKJV)
9 So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai.
10 Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh.

Haman leaves the banquet in high spirits, feeling honored by the queen’s invitation. However, his mood shifts quickly when he sees Mordecai, who again refuses to show him any respect. Despite his anger, Haman controls himself and returns home to share his thoughts with his family and friends. This sets the stage for a dangerous plan born out of his growing resentment.

Esther 5:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king.
12 Moreover Haman said, “Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king.
13 Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet.” And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

Haman boasts about his wealth, his status, and the exclusive honor of dining with the king and queen. However, none of this satisfies him because of Mordecai’s refusal to honor him. His wife Zeresh and friends suggest building a tall gallows to hang Mordecai. Pleased with the suggestion, Haman orders the gallows to be built, setting in motion his plot against Mordecai, unaware that this plan will lead to his own downfall.