Esther 5 Study Notes: Esther’s First Banquet and Haman’s Gallows
Queen Esther goes to the king uninvited, wins his favor, and invites him and Haman to a banquet, then to a second one the next day. Haman leaves elated but is enraged when Mordecai will not rise for him, and at the urging of Zeresh his wife and his friends he has a gallows built for Mordecai.
General
When Esther appeared in the palace’s inner court, how did the king respond (Esther 5:1-2)?
Answer: He held out his gold scepter to her, and she came near and touched its tip
When the third day came (compare the three days of fasting she had called for in 4:16), Esther dressed as queen and took her place in the palace’s inner court, facing the king’s rooms, while he sat on his throne (5:1). When the king saw her, she won his favor. He held out the gold scepter, the very sign she had said was the only way to be spared (4:11), and she came forward and touched the end of it (5:2). Scripture teaches that the LORD directs a king’s heart wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1).
- Esther 5:1-2 (BSB)“On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”On the third day Esther stands in the inner court, and the king receives her.
- Esther 4:11 (BSB)““All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.””Esther had explained that only the king’s extended scepter could spare someone who came uninvited.
- Esther 4:16 (BSB)““Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!””She had called for three days of fasting before she would go in to the king, whatever the cost.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”Scripture teaches that the LORD turns a king’s heart wherever He wishes.
Theological
How did the king receive Esther when she came into his court unsummoned (Esther 5:1-2)?
Answer: He held out his gold scepter to her, and she came near and touched its tip
When the third day comes (compare the three-day fast of 4:16), Esther arrays herself as queen and takes her place in the court opposite the king’s quarters (5:1). The king, seeing her, looks on her with favor and holds out the golden scepter, the one act that could spare an uninvited person under the law she had cited (4:11); she approaches and touches its tip (5:2). Scripture teaches that a king’s heart lies in the LORD’s hand to direct as He pleases (Proverbs 21:1).
- Esther 5:1-2 (BSB)“On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”On the third day Esther stands in the inner court, and the king receives her.
- Esther 4:11 (BSB)““All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.””Esther had explained that only the king’s extended scepter could spare someone who came uninvited.
- Esther 4:16 (BSB)““Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!””She had called for three days of fasting before she would go in to the king, whatever the cost.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”Scripture teaches that the LORD turns a king’s heart wherever He wishes.
General
When the king offered Esther up to half his kingdom, what did she first ask for (Esther 5:3-5)?
Answer: That the king come that day with Haman to a banquet she had made
The king asked Esther what she wanted and promised to give her anything, even half his realm (5:3). That phrase was a royal way of showing generous favor. Esther did not yet make her real request. She asked that the king come that same day, along with Haman, to a banquet she had prepared (5:4), and the king had Haman brought quickly so they could go (5:5). The two men who had sat drinking together after the decree went out (3:15) now came as her guests. Esther moved patiently and carefully, and Scripture says that patience and gentle words can persuade a ruler (Proverbs 25:15).
- Esther 5:3-5 (BSB)““What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” “Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.”The king offers Esther up to half his kingdom, and she asks him and Haman to a banquet.
- Esther 3:15 (BSB)“The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.”After the decree was issued, the king and Haman had sat down to drink together.
- Proverbs 25:15 (BSB)“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”Patience and gentle speech can persuade a ruler, the approach Esther takes.
Theological
What was Esther’s first request after the king offered her as much as half his realm (Esther 5:3-5)?
Answer: That the king come that day with Haman to a banquet she had made
The king invites Esther’s request and pledges to grant it, even to half his realm (5:3), a stock expression of lavish royal favor. Esther does not yet disclose her petition; she asks only that the king attend, with Haman, a banquet she has prepared that very day (5:4), and the king summons Haman at once (5:5). The two men who had drunk together after sealing the decree (3:15) now sit at her table. Her measured approach reflects the wisdom that a ruler is persuaded through patience and gentle speech (Proverbs 25:15).
- Esther 5:3-5 (BSB)““What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” “Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.”The king offers Esther up to half his kingdom, and she asks him and Haman to a banquet.
- Esther 3:15 (BSB)“The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.”After the decree was issued, the king and Haman had sat down to drink together.
- Proverbs 25:15 (BSB)“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”Patience and gentle speech can persuade a ruler, the approach Esther takes.
General
When Haman called Zeresh his wife and his friends together, what did he boast about (Esther 5:11-12)?
Answer: His riches, his numerous sons, his promotions, and the queen’s invitation
At home Haman gathered Zeresh his wife and his friends and listed his honors: his great riches, his numerous sons, and every way the king had raised him above the rest of the court (5:11; compare 3:1). He added that Queen Esther had invited no one except him to come with the king to her banquet, and that he was invited again the next day (5:12). Scripture warns against praising oneself (Proverbs 27:2) and teaches that destruction follows pride (Proverbs 16:18), a warning the rest of the story bears out.
- Esther 5:11-12 (BSB)“Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. “What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.”Haman gathers his friends and his wife and boasts about all that he has.
- Esther 3:1 (BSB)“After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him.”The king had raised Haman above all the other officials, the honor he now boasts about.
- Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
- Proverbs 27:2 (BSB)“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.”Scripture warns against praising oneself instead of letting others do it.
Theological
What did Haman recount to Zeresh and his friends (Esther 5:11-12)?
Answer: His riches, his numerous sons, his promotions, and the queen’s invitation
Haman catalogs his glory before his friends and Zeresh: vast wealth, many sons, and the king’s elevation of him over the rest of the court (5:11; 3:1). Crowning the list is his exclusive invitation, with the king, to the queen’s banquet, renewed for the following day (5:12), the very banquet at which he would later be exposed. His self-praise (compare Proverbs 27:2) sets up the fall that pride precedes (Proverbs 16:18).
- Esther 5:11-12 (BSB)“Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. “What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.”Haman gathers his friends and his wife and boasts about all that he has.
- Esther 3:1 (BSB)“After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him.”The king had raised Haman above all the other officials, the honor he now boasts about.
- Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
- Proverbs 27:2 (BSB)“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.”Scripture warns against praising oneself instead of letting others do it.
General
Haman left Esther’s first banquet happy. What changed his mood as he went out (Esther 5:9-10)?
Answer: Mordecai refused to stand or show any fear when Haman passed by
Haman went out from the banquet in high spirits. But at the palace gate he caught sight of Mordecai, who neither stood up nor showed any fear of him, and Haman burned with fury (5:9). This was the same anger he had felt when Mordecai first refused to bow to him (3:5). Even so, Haman held himself in check for the moment and went home (5:10). One sight of Mordecai was enough to spoil all his joy, and Scripture warns that anger which flares up quickly makes its home in a fool (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
- Esther 5:9-10 (BSB)“That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,”Haman leaves the banquet elated, is enraged by Mordecai at the gate, yet holds himself back and goes home.
- Esther 3:5 (BSB)“When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.”Haman’s fury at Mordecai began when Mordecai would not bow to him.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 (BSB)“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.”Scripture warns against being quickly provoked, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.
Theological
What turned Haman’s elation after the first banquet into fury (Esther 5:9-10)?
Answer: Mordecai refused to stand or show any fear when Haman passed by
Haman leaves the banquet elated, but at the gate Mordecai neither rises nor shows any fear before him, and Haman’s joy gives way to rage (5:9), the same fury Mordecai’s refusal to bow had first provoked (3:5). For now he masters himself and goes home (5:10). The scene exposes how fragile his happiness is; Scripture warns that quickly stirred anger lodges in a fool (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
- Esther 5:9-10 (BSB)“That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,”Haman leaves the banquet elated, is enraged by Mordecai at the gate, yet holds himself back and goes home.
- Esther 3:5 (BSB)“When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.”Haman’s fury at Mordecai began when Mordecai would not bow to him.
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 (BSB)“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.”Scripture warns against being quickly provoked, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.
General
After boasting of everything he had, what did Haman say kept him from being satisfied (Esther 5:13)?
Answer: That Mordecai the Jew still kept his seat by the palace gate
Right after listing his riches and honors, Haman admitted that none of it was worth anything to him as long as he kept seeing Mordecai the Jew seated by the palace gate (5:13). One man’s refusal to honor him outweighed everything else. Scripture says that human eyes, like the grave, are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20). By contrast, true gain is godliness together with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).
- Esther 5:13 (BSB)“Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.””After listing his honors, Haman admits that one thing robs him of all satisfaction.
- Proverbs 27:20 (BSB)“Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”Human eyes, like the grave, are never satisfied.
- 1 Timothy 6:6 (BSB)“Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.”True gain is godliness joined with contentment, the opposite of Haman’s restless pride.
Theological
What did Haman say robbed him of satisfaction in all his honors (Esther 5:13)?
Answer: That Mordecai the Jew still kept his seat by the palace gate
Having rehearsed his wealth and privileges, Haman confesses that all of it is worthless to him while Mordecai the Jew keeps his seat by the palace gate (5:13). A single unbowed man outweighs his entire fortune. His restlessness illustrates the insatiable heart that Scripture describes (Proverbs 27:20), the opposite of the godliness with contentment that is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
- Esther 5:13 (BSB)“Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.””After listing his honors, Haman admits that one thing robs him of all satisfaction.
- Proverbs 27:20 (BSB)“Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”Human eyes, like the grave, are never satisfied.
- 1 Timothy 6:6 (BSB)“Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.”True gain is godliness joined with contentment, the opposite of Haman’s restless pride.
General
True or False: At the first banquet, Esther told the king about Haman’s plot against the Jews (Esther 5:6-8).
Answer: False
This is false. While they were drinking wine, the king asked Esther again what she wanted and repeated his offer of as much as half his realm (5:6). Instead of revealing the plot, Esther asked the king to return with Haman the next day for another banquet, promising to give her answer then (5:7-8). She did not name Haman until the second banquet (7:3-6). Esther gave no reason for the delay. Scripture recognizes that silence and speech each have their proper season (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
- Esther 5:6-8 (BSB)“And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Esther replied, “This is my petition and my request: 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, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.””At the first banquet the king repeats his offer, and Esther asks for a second banquet the next day.
- Esther 7:3-6 (BSB)“Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.”Esther finally makes her plea and names Haman at the second banquet.
- Ecclesiastes 3:7 (BSB)“a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,”Scripture recognizes that there is a right time to keep silent and a right time to speak.
Theological
True or False: Esther revealed Haman’s scheme at the first banquet (Esther 5:6-8).
Answer: False
This is false. Over wine the king renews his question and his offer of as much as half his realm (5:6), but Esther defers: if she has found favor, the king should return with Haman tomorrow for a second banquet, at which she will give her answer (5:7-8). The disclosure and the naming of Haman come only at that second feast (7:3-6). Esther gives no reason for the delay; Scripture recognizes that silence and speech each have their proper season (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
- Esther 5:6-8 (BSB)“And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Esther replied, “This is my petition and my request: 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, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.””At the first banquet the king repeats his offer, and Esther asks for a second banquet the next day.
- Esther 7:3-6 (BSB)“Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.”Esther finally makes her plea and names Haman at the second banquet.
- Ecclesiastes 3:7 (BSB)“a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,”Scripture recognizes that there is a right time to keep silent and a right time to speak.
General
What did Zeresh and Haman’s friends advise him to do about Mordecai (Esther 5:14)?
Answer: To have a tall gallows built and request the king’s leave next day to hang Mordecai
Zeresh, Haman’s wife, and his friends urged him to have a gallows put up, fifty cubits (about seventy-five feet) tall, and to request from the king first thing the next day that Mordecai be hanged there. After that he could attend the banquet happily with the king. Haman liked the idea and had the gallows built (5:14). Yet the gallows he prepared for Mordecai would become the one on which Haman himself was hanged (7:9-10). Scripture warns against following the advice of the wicked (Psalm 1:1) and says that a person who digs a pit for others falls into it himself (Psalm 7:15-16).
- Esther 5:14 (BSB)“His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.”Zeresh and Haman’s friends propose a way to be rid of Mordecai, and Haman acts on it.
- Esther 7:9-10 (BSB)“Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.”The gallows Haman built for Mordecai becomes the place of Haman’s own execution.
- Psalm 1:1 (BSB)“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.”Scripture pronounces blessing on the one who refuses the counsel of the wicked.
- Psalm 7:15-16 (BSB)“He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.”The one who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.
Theological
What counsel did Zeresh and Haman’s friends give him concerning Mordecai (Esther 5:14)?
Answer: To have a tall gallows built and request the king’s leave next day to hang Mordecai
Zeresh and Haman’s friends propose a fifty-cubit gallows and an early petition to the king for Mordecai’s hanging, after which Haman can enjoy the banquet; pleased, Haman has it built (5:14). The scheme sets up one of the book’s great reversals, for Haman will be hanged on the very gallows he prepared (7:9-10). The scene embodies the wicked advice that the righteous refuse (Psalm 1:1) and the principle that the one who digs a pit falls into it (Psalm 7:15-16).
- Esther 5:14 (BSB)“His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.”Zeresh and Haman’s friends propose a way to be rid of Mordecai, and Haman acts on it.
- Esther 7:9-10 (BSB)“Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.”The gallows Haman built for Mordecai becomes the place of Haman’s own execution.
- Psalm 1:1 (BSB)“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.”Scripture pronounces blessing on the one who refuses the counsel of the wicked.
- Psalm 7:15-16 (BSB)“He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.”The one who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.