Esther
Summary
Esther Chapter 5 describes Esther's courageous approach to the king's inner court. Finding favour in his sight, she was spared from death and invited the king and Haman to a banquet. Haman, though initially delighted, was consumed with renewed hatred for Mordecai when he saw him at the gate. Encouraged by his wife and friends, Haman built a massive gallows, planning to ask the king for Mordecai's execution the very next day. This chapter builds the tension between Esther's careful wisdom and Haman’s blind and destructive pride.
On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, facing the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne, facing the entrance.
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favour. The king held out the golden sceptre to her, and she approached and touched the tip of it.
The king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half of my kingdom, it shall be given to you."
Esther replied, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for him."
"Bring Haman immediately," the king commanded, "so that we may do what Esther asks." So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.
As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "What is your petition? It shall be granted. What is your request? Even up to half of the kingdom, it shall be done."
Esther answered, "My petition and my request is this:"
"If I have found favour in the king’s sight, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition, let the king and Haman come to the banquet I will prepare for them tomorrow. Then I will answer the king’s question."
Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and noticed that he neither rose nor showed him any fear, he was filled with rage.
Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. He sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh.
Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honoured him and promoted him above the other nobles and officials.
"What’s more," Haman added, "I am the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave today. And she has invited me along with the king again tomorrow."
"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 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 banquet and enjoy yourself." This suggestion pleased Haman, and he had the gallows built.