Esther 5
Meaning of Esther 5
The Book of Esther, Chapter 5 in the Bible is a continuation of the story of Esther, the Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus.
In Chapter 5, Esther invites King Ahasuerus and his advisor Haman to a feast that she prepared. When the king attends the banquet, he promises to grant Esther any request, up to half of his kingdom. However, Esther does not yet reveal her true request. Instead, she invites the King and Haman to a second banquet she plans to hold the next day.
Meanwhile, Haman leaves the feast that Esther had hosted in high spirits, but his mood changes when he sees Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, at the king’s gate, refusing to kneel or show him any signs of respect. Enraged, Haman goes home and complains to his friends and wife about Mordecai’s lack of respect. At the suggestion of his wife and friends, Haman plans to build gallows and to ask the king’s permission to hang Mordecai on them.
This chapter sets the stage for the next part of the story that will see Esther going to great lengths to save her people from the massacre that Haman has plotted.
Esther 5 kjv
Esther Chapter 5 of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible focuses on Queen Esther’s actions to save her people, the Jews, who were under threat by a royal decree that ordered their extermination.
1. Queen Esther, having carefully prepared in prayer and fasting, courageously enters King Ahasuerus’ inner court without invitation, which was against the law. But to Esther’s relief, the king extends his gold sceptre towards her, a gesture of approval that spares her life.
2. King Ahasuerus asks Esther what her requests are, and she invites him and Haman, the king’s chief minister who was orchestrating the genocide of Jews, to a feast she has prepared.
3. During the feast, the king asks again Esther’s request, and she replies by extending another invitation to him and Haman the following day. While the king and Haman leave the first banquet in good spirits, Esther’s plan remains a mystery.
4. When Haman sees Mordecai, Queen Esther’s cousin, at the king’s gate and Mordecai does not show him respect, Haman becomes enraged but keeps his anger to himself.
5. Arriving home, Haman brags to his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends about his wealth, numerous children, and how he was the only one invited to banquet with Queen Esther and the king apart from King Ahasuerus. Yet, he expresses his dissatisfaction over Mordecai not bowing down to him.
6. Upon his wife and friends’ advice, Haman decides to build a gallows to hang Mordecai on before the next dinner with Esther and the King.
In summary, Queen Esther sets a strategic plan in action to save her people, the Jews, while Haman’s hatred for Mordecai intensifies, and he is blind to Esther’s plan.
Esther 5 nkjv
Esther 5 of the New King James Version (NKJV) Bible gets into the heart of Queen Esther’s story where she makes a courageous approach to King Xerxes (also known as Ahasuerus) to save her people, the Jews, from extermination.
Here’s a breakdown of this chapter:
1. Esther goes to see the King: Even though it’s against the law to go to the king without being summoned, Esther puts on her royal robes and stands in the inner court of the palace in front of the king’s hall. Despite the law stating that anyone who approaches the king unsolicited could be put to death, the king extends his gold scepter towards Esther, sparing her life and granting her a request (verses 1-2).
2. Esther asks the King and Haman to attend a banquet: Esther doesn’t immediately reveal her request to the king. Instead, she invites the king and Haman, the king’s chief minister and the man responsible for the edict to kill the Jews, to a banquet she has prepared. The king and Haman agree and, during the banquet, the king again asks Esther about her request. Interestingly, Esther invites them to another banquet the following day and says she will reveal her petition to the king then (verses 3-8).
3. Haman’s Pride and Plans for Mordecai: On his return home, Haman passes by Mordecai, who once again refuses to show him the honor that he thinks he deserves. Furious, Haman plots to hang Mordecai on a gallows. However, before he can act on his plan, he is called to Esther’s second banquet (verses 9-14).
This chapter sets the stage for the twists and climactic events that happen in Esther 6 and 7. In these latter chapters, Esther’s bravery saves Mordecai and the Jews while Haman’s plot backfires on himself.
Esther 5 niv
The Book of Esther Chapter 5 from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible narrates the following events:
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 there, he was pleased. He held out the golden scepter, which was in his hand. Esther approached and touched the scepter’s tip.
3. The king then asked Esther what she wished for, promising to grant even up to half his kingdom.
4. Esther, however, asked King Xerxes to attend a banquet she had prepared, along with Haman, the king’s chief advisor. The king agreed and ordered Haman to accompany him to Esther’s banquet.
5. At the banquet of wine, the king asked again what her request was, again promising up to half the kingdom.
6. Esther asked the king and Haman to join her again the next day for another banquet, at which point she would reveal her request.
7. After leaving the banquet, Haman was joyful and happy of heart. But when he saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, not rising or trembling before him, he was filled with rage against Mordecai.
8. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. He gathered his friends and his wife Zeresh.
9. Haman bragged to his wife and friends about his vast wealth, his many sons, all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials.
10. ‘And that’s not all,’ Haman added. ‘I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow.’
11. Yet, he complained, all this means nothing while Mordecai the Jew sits at the king’s gate, not giving him the respect he believes he deserves.
12. At his wife Zeresh and all his friends’ advice, Haman built a gallows and planned to ask the king for permission to hang Mordecai there the next day. Haman was pleased with the idea and had the gallows made.
The chapter, therefore, describes Esther’s initial approach to King Xerxes, revealing part of her plan to save the Jewish people. At the same time, it shows Haman’s pride and his increased hatred for Mordecai, leading to his decision to build a gallows to hang Mordecai. This lays the groundwork for future events described in the subsequent chapters.
What is Esther 5 all about?
Esther 5 is a chapter from the Book of Esther in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a pivotal moment in the story where Esther, the Jewish queen of a Persian king Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I), takes a big risk to save her people from annihilation.
In this chapter, Esther dons her royal robes and stands in the inner court of the palace, in sight of the king. When King Ahasuerus sees his queen, favor is extended to her as he offers her his golden scepter. This act signifies that the king has accepted her presence and Esther has not been put to death, which was the penalty for approaching the king without being summoned.
Taking her courage in hand, Esther invites the king and his prime minister Haman, who has orchestrated the planned destruction of the Jews, to a banquet she has prepared. The king and Haman come to the banquet, and during the feast, the king, pleased with Esther, asks her what she desires, promising to grant her request up to half of his kingdom.
However, Esther does not make her request then. Instead, she asks the king and Haman to join her for a second banquet the following day. After the banquet, Haman, feeling proud and important for being the only guest other than the King at Queen Esther’s banquet, sees Mordecai (Esther’s cousin who refused to bow down to him) at the king’s gate, which reignites his anger.
The chapter ends with Haman, following his wife’s and friends’ advice, ordering the construction of a gallows for Mordecai, planning to ask the king’s permission to hang Mordecai the next day before going to Esther’s second banquet. Thus, the chapter sets the stage for the critical turning point in the story.
What does Esther 5 teaches?
Esther 5 is a chapter in the Book of Esther in the Bible which follows the story of Queen Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia.
Esther 5 teaches several lessons:
1. Courage: Esther has built up the courage to approach the king, despite knowing that it may result in her death. This act of bravery teaches the reader about the importance of taking risks for a greater cause.
2. Trust in God: Esther’s bravery doesn’t come solely from her own fortitude; it also comes from her faith in God. She asks for the Jewish people to fast and pray for her which shows her belief in God’s protection and help.
3. Wisdom and Tact: Esther doesn’t immediately tell the king her request. Instead, she invites the king and Haman to a banquet. This demonstrates her tact and wisdom in handling an extremely sensitive issue. She knows the right time and place to present her case.
4. Patience: Despite having the opportunity at the first banquet, Esther waits until the second banquet to make her request to the king. This teaches the value of patience and waiting for the right time to act.
5. Presence of Good and Evil: Haman’s plotting against Mordecai and his pride presents the evils that good people like Esther and Mordecai must combat.
So, the chapter illustrates the power of courage, wisdom, and patience while abiding in faith during difficult times. It also encapsulates the constant battle between good and evil.
A Sermon on Esther 5
Esther Chapter 5 tells a portion of the story of Esther, a Jewish girl who became the queen of Persia, and her cousin Mordecai’s plan to save the Jewish people from a plot orchestrated by Haman, a high-ranking official in the king’s court.
In the beginning of Chapter 5, Esther, who had found favor in the King’s eyes, took a huge risk by approaching the King unsummoned in order to plead for her people. At that time, it was against Persian law to approach the King without being summoned, and violators could be put to death unless the King extended his royal scepter to them. Esther bravely approaches King Ahasuerus, and he extends his royal scepter to her, showing his favor, and offers to grant her any request, up to half his kingdom.
However, instead of pleading her cause directly, Esther invited the King and Haman to a banquet she prepared. This is where Esther’s wisdom is displayed. She did not rush to reveal her request, instead she pleasantly surprised the king with a banquet and only then invited him and Haman to another banquet the next day. By doing this, she piqued the king’s interest and probably eased any suspicions that the king may have had about her sudden appearance in his court.
In verses 9 to 14 in Chapter 5, we see Haman’s jealousy and hatred of Mordecai, the man who raised Esther. Despite his high ranking and the favor shown to him by the king, Haman could not enjoy it because of his intense anger and envy towards Mordecai, who refused to bow to him. It is the epitome of how hate and anger can consume and blind a person.
One of the main lessons to take from this Chapter and Esther’s story in general, is that God positions us in circumstances where we can work for the good of others and His glory. Despite the fear and risk, Esther used her position of influence for the good of her people.
The sermon on Esther 5 may thus cover themes of courage, wisdom, patience, the wielding of influence for good, and trust in divine providence.
Key people in Esther 5
In Esther 5, there are three key figures mentioned:
1. Queen Esther: Esther is the Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. She was made queen because of her beauty, after the previous Queen Vashti was banished. She hides her Jewish heritage at the beginning of the story. In Esther 5, she risks her life by appearing uninvited before the King, something which could be punishable by death, to invite him to a banquet.
2. King Ahasuerus (also known as King Xerxes): King Ahasuerus is the King of Persia and married to Esther. He has made an edict allowing for the slaughter of all Jews in the kingdom (not knowing Esther herself is Jewish). In this chapter, he sees Esther standing in the court and graciously beckons her to approach. Pleased with her, he offers her up to half of his kingdom, but Esther simply requests that the King and Haman join her for a banquet.
3. Haman: Haman is the king’s chief advisor who harbors a deep hatred for the Jews, particularly for Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, because Mordecai refuses to bow down to him. Haman is invited by Esther to the banquet, not knowing that Esther is planning to expose his plot to exterminate Jews, including herself.
Real world examples on Esther 5
The Book of Esther, chapter 5, in the Bible narrates a significant event where Queen Esther invites King Xerxes and Haman to a feast she prepared. This was a part of her plan to save her people, the Israelites, from the extermination which Haman planned. This can be correlated with some real-life scenarios.
1. **Strategic Planning**: In real-world business or politics, one must be strategic like Esther. She didn’t reveal her plan immediately; instead, she invited the king and Haman to two feasts. This strategy built up anticipation and curiosity for the king. In the business context, entrepreneurs may use similar strategies to build up interest, anticipation, or suspense about a new product, service, or an important announcement.
2. **Courage**: Esther was a Jew and according to the laws, she could be killed for approaching the king without being summoned. But she had the courage to risk her life for her people. In real life, we often face situations where we need to step up and be courageous to protect others, to solve a major issue, or to bring about change.
3. **Patience**: Instead of asking her wish on the first day, she invited them for another feast the next day. She demonstrates patience. In real life, particularly in situations that involve negotiation or persuasion, patience is often key.
4. **Influencing Decision Makers**: A common real-life application can be seen in approaching and influencing people in power or decision-makers, asking them for favours or trying to persuade them towards a certain view – much like how charities and advocates approach and work with governmental figures.
5. **Resolving Conflict**: Esther chapter 5 can be seen as a lesson in managing conflict or potential crisis. Esther uses a calm and diplomatic approach without directly attacking Haman, the source of the conflict. Similarly, in real-life conflict situations, a peaceful approach that encourages dialogue can be effective in resolving issues.
Remember, these are only metaphorical interpretations of religious texts, and each people might interpret them differently based on their personal beliefs and contexts.
Brief Explanation of Esther 5
Esther 5 is a chapter in the Bible’s Old Testament that centers around Queen Esther’s strategic approach to help save her people, the Jews, from a royal edict to kill them.
After fasting for three days, Esther bravely decides to approach the king without receiving an invitation, which in itself could potentially be a punishable act. However, the king spares her and even offers to grant her any wish, up to half his kingdom. Instead of directly addressing the threat to her people, she invites King Ahasuerus and Haman, the antagonist who instigated the scheme against the Jews, to a banquet she has prepared.
King Ahasuerus and Haman attend the banquet, and again the king asks Esther what she requests. Still playing it cautious, Esther doesn’t reveal her true concerns yet, and rather invites both of them to another banquet she will hold the next day.
Following the banquet, Haman leaves joyful and in high spirits. But when he sees Mordecai, a Jew who refuses to bow to him at the king’s gate, he is filled with rage. Nevertheless, he restrains himself and instead, on the advice of his wife Zeresh and all his advisors, builds a gallows 75 feet high to hang Mordecai on, intending to ask the king’s permission to execute Mordecai the next day. This sets the stage for the unfolding events in the next chapter.
In sum, Esther 5 is about Esther taking her first steps towards saving her people, highlighting her tact, courage, and strategic thinking.
Frequently asked questions for Esther 5
1. What happens in Esther Chapter 5?
In Esther 5, Esther approaches King Ahasuerus uninvited in an attempt to save her people. The king extends his scepter to her as a sign of favor and offers to grant any wish she may have. Instead of revealing her request immediately, Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet she has prepared. After the banquet, the King again asks Esther for her request, but she only invites them to a second banquet to be held the next day.
2. Why did Esther invite Haman to her banquets?
Esther strategically invited Haman to her banquets to make him feel secure, so at the right time, she could reveal her identity and request in the presence of both the king and Haman, making the revelation more impactful.
3. What is the significance of Esther asking for the King’s golden scepter?
When Esther approached King Ahasuerus uninvited, she was risking her life, as it was forbidden to approach the king without being summoned. When the king extended his golden scepter, it meant he pardoned her actions and spared her life.
4. Why didn’t Esther immediately state her request to the king?
Esther likely wanted to ensure the king’s favorability towards her before making her request. By creating anticipation and delivering her request at a carefully considered moment, she was ensuring she had the best possible chance of the king granting her high-stakes wish.
5. Why was Haman so upset after leaving Esther’s banquet?
Even though Haman felt honored to be part of Esther’s banquet, he grew angry when he saw Mordecai, who had refused to bow to him at the palace gate. This hatred for Mordecai clouded his happiness and fueled his desire to destroy Mordecai and his people.
These are common questions asked about Esther Chapter 5, but the nuances of the text can provoke more thought, discussion, and questions.
Possible References for Esther 5
“Esther 5” refers to the fifth chapter in the Book of Esther in the Bible. Here is a brief overview of significant events and possible references:
1. Esther’s Request to the King: This chapter begins with Queen Esther donning her royal robes and standing in the inner court of the palace in front of the king’s hall. King Ahasuerus extends his royal scepter to Esther, signifying his permission for her to approach him and willingness to grant any wish she may have.
2. Esther’s Banquet: Esther’s wish is to host a banquet for the king and Haman, his prime minister. This banquet would be the perfect private environment where she planned to reveal her Jewish identity and Haman’s plot to annihilate her people.
3. Haman’s Joy: Haman felt honored by Esther’s invitation and enjoyed the banquet along with the king. His joy, however, was tarnished when he saw Mordecai, a Jew who refused to pay him homage, at the king’s gate.
4. Haman’s Fury at Mordecai: Mordecai’s lack of respect for Haman made him extremely angry, but he restrains himself. When Haman went home, he gathered his friends and wife Zeresh together and recounted how fortunate he was. However, he confessed that all his fortunes lose their charm so long as he sees Mordecai the Jew at the king’s gate.
5. Haman’s Plan to Hang Mordecai: At the advice of his wife Zeresh and all his friends, Haman decided to make a gallows to hang Mordecai before his next banquet with Queen Esther and the king.
This chapter is a turning point in the narrative, setting up dramatic events yet to come. It reveals Esther’s courage to protect her people and Haman’s growing hatred for Mordecai and the Jews.
Conclusion on Esther 5
In Esther 5, the story reaches a significant turning point. In this chapter, Queen Esther courageously invites King Xerxes and Haman to a feast she has prepared. The king, intrigued by Esther’s actions, asks her what she wishes from him, even offering up to half of his kingdom. To this, Esther requests for both the king and Haman to attend a second feast she planned for the next day.
The conclusion of Esther Chapter 5 sets up the tension and suspense for the following chapters. Haman leaves the feast full of happiness and pride, only to see Mordecai at the king’s gate, who does not stand up or tremble before him. This infuriates Haman, but he restrains himself. When he gets home, he gathers his friends and his wife Zeresh, brags about his wealth, his many sons, all the ways the king has honored him, and his exclusive invitation to Esther’s banquet. However, he admits that none of this gives him satisfaction as long as he sees Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.
Zeresh and his friends suggest Haman make a gallows 75 feet high and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. They tell him that after this is done, he can go to the feast with the king in happy spirits. The chapter ends with Haman liking the idea and ordering the construction of the gallows.
So, the conclusion infers the elaborate plot Haman is planning to execute against Mordecai and possibly the Jewish people, sowing the seeds for the drama that unfolds in the next chapters of the Book of Esther.