4. let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him—There was great address in this procedure of Esther's; for, by showing such high respect to the king's favorite, she would the better insinuate herself into the royal affections; and gain a more suitable opportunity of making known her request. read more
The first banquet 5:1-8Here we have another remarkable example of how God controls the hearts of kings (Esther 5:2; Proverbs 21:1; cf. Genesis 39-41; Ezra 1:1-4; Nehemiah 2; Daniel 2; Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Daniel 5; Acts 2:23). "To half of the kingdom" (Esther 5:3) is hyperbole and means, "I will grant even a very large request" (cf. Esther 5:6; Esther 7:2; Mark 6:22-23). Esther must have had a very good reason for postponing her request of the king (Esther 5:8), since delaying it opened the door... read more
B. The Plot Exposed chs. 5-7Chapters 5-7 carry us to the climax of our story. They show how God providentially preserved and protected His people.1. Esther’s preparations ch. 5Esther showed great wisdom in how she prepared to expose Haman as the enemy of the Jews and the Persian Empire. read more
Esther’s Petition to the KingAn account of how Esther, being favourably received by the king, invited him, together with Haman, to a banquet whereat she promised to make known her petition, and how Haman prepared for the execution of Mordecai.1. On the third day] This indicates that the fast of Esther 4:16 is not to be regarded as extending over three whole days. 6. The banquet of wine] This presumably followed the dinner. Herodotus states that the Persians, though moderate at their meals, were... read more
(4) Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet.—It was natural enough that, with so much depending on her request, the queen should show some hesitation: if anything took an untoward turn (for, in spite of the king’s promise, she evidently felt uneasy) it might mean total ruin. She therefore temporises; she at any rate gains time, she secures a specially favourable opportunity for bringing forward the request, and the king clearly sees that she has kept her real petition in reserve... read more
Esther 5:13 The story of Haman was one of immense and rapid success. He had climbed high till he was the greatest man in the Persian Empire next to the king. But his pride had been wounded by the neglect of a certain Jew named Mordecai to bow before him and do him reverence. He could easily crush the insolent Jew with one word, but the insult had so mortified his pride that he could not be content with merely punishing the culprit. He could only appease his fretful irritation and revengeful... read more
ESTHER AND THE KING AND HAMAN’S DELUSION CHAPTER 5 1. Esther before the king and her request (Esther 5:1-8 ) 2. Haman’s delusion (Esther 5:9-14 ) Esther 5:1-8 . On the third day Esther put on her royal apparel, a significant day in Scripture as we point out in the typical application of this chapter. The days of fasting and agony were passed and she is seen no longer attired in sackcloth but in royal garments. It is of great interest that Rabbinical exposition (Midrash) gives a tradition... read more
ESTHER'S BANQUET (vv. 1-8) After the three days of fasting, Esther's courage enabled her to enter the inner court of the king's palace, clothed in her royal robes. The king was sitting on his throne, and there is no doubt that God disposed his heart to hold out his golden scepter toward Esther. We can imagine the relief of her heart when he did this!Esther then approached and touched the top of the scepter.The kings's words to her were most magnanimous, offering her whatever she wanted, to... read more
THE JEWS IMPERILLED The events of this book belong chronologically after Zerubbabel’s company have gone to Jerusalem, and before the commissions of Ezra and Nehemiah. The scene is laid in Persia. Cyrus and Darius 1 have passed away, and Ahasuerus, son of the last named, and identified by some with Xerxes, and by others with Darius Hystaspes, is on the throne. He is a sensual, fickle, cruel despot. It was his great fleet that was defeated by the much smaller one of Greece at Salamis, about... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Esther 5:4
LET THE KING AND HAMAN COME THIS DAY. This is the second of the five Acrostics ( App-6 ) of the Divine name ( App-4 .) in this book. See App-60 . The second pivot on which the history turns. read more