ESTHER: Chapters 5, 6 & 7

Glory be to our Savior Jesus Christ.

This is a continuation of the Book of Esther. In these three chapters (5, 6, and 7), we see Queen Esther approaching the king in a way that defied protocol to intercede for her people against their enemy Haman, who had plotted to annihilate all the Jews in the kingdom. Yet, instead of being punished for her boldness, Esther found favor in the king’s eyes and was able to present her request. When the king asked her what she wanted, she did not reveal it immediately; instead, she invited him to a banquet she had prepared, along with Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Scripture says:

Esther 5:2-5
“And it happened, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther drew near and touched the top of the scepter. And the king said to her, ‘What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of my kingdom.’ Then Esther answered, ‘If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.'”

Thus, the king, pleased by Esther’s feast, asked again what she needed—but Esther wisely postponed her request, inviting him to a second banquet. When the king and Haman enjoyed the banquet, he again asked Esther about her heart’s desire. Scripture continues:

Esther 7:2-10
“Then the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, ‘What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom it shall be performed.’ Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request; for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this king’s loss.’ Then King Ahasuerus said, ‘Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?’ And Esther said, ‘The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman!’ So Haman was terrified before the king and the queen. The king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine into the palace garden, and Haman stood to beg for his life to Queen Esther; for he saw that the king had determined his destruction. When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was; and the king said, ‘Will he also assault the queen in my presence, in my house?’ And they covered Haman’s face. And Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, said, ‘Behold, there stands the fifty-cubit high gallows which Haman has prepared for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king.’ Then the king said, ‘Hang him on it!’ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided.”

Theological Insights:
Esther serves as a profound type of the Church, or the Bride of Christ. Her story teaches us how to approach our King (Jesus Christ) when we have urgent needs. Though Esther was deeply distressed and faced life-threatening danger, she did not immediately rush to present her request. Instead, she used wisdom and strategy, pleasing the king first by hosting two banquets, before revealing the deep need of her people.

Similarly, in our approach to God, it is spiritually beneficial to “prepare the heart” of our Lord by acts that delight Him. This might include:

Offering sacrifices or giving generously (Romans 12:1–2).

Helping the needy, orphans, and widows (James 1:27).

Serving God faithfully in ministry or worship (Colossians 3:17).
Once our hearts and actions align with His will, we can bring our requests with confidence (Matthew 7:7-8).

Notice also that Esther first interceded for her people, not herself. She prioritized others over her own life. Likewise, as believers, our prayers should often carry the needs of God’s people, the Church, and the lost, just as Jesus prayed for us (John 17). Galatians 6:2 reminds us: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Finally, the story demonstrates divine justice: Haman’s plot to destroy Mordecai and the Jews turned upon himself. Scripture teaches, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; and he who rolls a stone, it will return on him” (Proverbs 26:27). Sin, pride, and injustice often lead to self-destruction, even when outwardly one seems successful, wealthy, or powerful. God’s righteousness ensures that evil does not go unpunished.

Call to Action:
Repent, turn to the Lord, and receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ to experience forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Let us learn from Esther: approach God wisely, prioritize others in prayer, and trust His justice.

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