Esther 5:1

¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

Now it came to pass on the third {H7992} day {H3117}, that Esther {H635} put on {H3847} her royal {H4438} apparel, and stood {H5975} in the inner {H6442} court {H2691} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, over against {H5227} the king's {H4428} house {H1004}: and the king {H4428} sat {H3427} upon his royal {H4438} throne {H3678} in the royal {H4438} house {H1004}, over against {H5227} the gate {H6607} of the house {H1004}.

On the third day, Ester put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the king's palace, opposite the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the king's hall, across from the entrance to the hall.

On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire 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.

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.

Commentary

Context

Esther 5:1 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Esther. Following Haman's decree to annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire, Mordecai had challenged Queen Esther to use her position to intervene. Esther, aware of the severe penalty for approaching the king unbidden (death, unless the king extended his golden scepter), had initially hesitated. However, after Mordecai's strong appeal and her own call for a three-day fast among the Jews in Susa, she resolved to act. This verse describes the moment she puts her life on the line, stepping into the king's inner court, fully prepared to face the consequences, fulfilling her brave declaration, "if I perish, I perish."

Key Themes

  • Courage and Boldness: Esther's action is an extraordinary display of courage. She knowingly risks her life by violating strict Persian court protocol to plead for her people.
  • Strategic Preparation: Her choice to wait "on the third day" (likely after the fast) and to put on "her royal apparel" was not accidental. It suggests careful planning and a desire to approach the king with dignity and purpose, utilizing her queenly status.
  • Divine Providence (Implicit): While God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His hand is clearly seen guiding events. Esther's successful approach to the king at this precise moment highlights the subtle yet powerful way divine providence works through human actions.
  • Absolute Authority: The verse underscores the immense power of King Ahasuerus, whose decision alone determined life or death for anyone, even his queen, who dared to approach him without summons.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "royal apparel" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew word malchut (מַלְכוּת), which means "royalty" or "kingdom." By putting on her royal attire, Esther was not merely dressing in finery but deliberately invoking her status as queen, presenting herself as a figure of authority and dignity, rather than a common supplicant. Standing in the "inner court" (חֲצַר בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ הַפְּנִימִית - chatzer beit ha'melech ha'penimit) emphasizes her dangerous proximity to the king's private space, a place only accessible by direct invitation, highlighting the gravity of her decision.

Practical Application

Esther 5:1 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Step Out in Faith: There are times when we must take bold steps, even when facing daunting obstacles or personal risk, trusting that God can work through our obedience.
  • Strategic Action and Preparation: While faith is essential, Esther's example shows the value of thoughtful preparation and utilizing our God-given resources (like her royal status) for His purposes.
  • Trusting God's Timing: The "third day" might suggest a divine timing, reminding us that God often works in His perfect time, even when we feel pressed to act immediately.
  • Advocacy for the Vulnerable: Esther's readiness to risk her life for her people serves as a powerful call to advocate for those who are oppressed or in danger.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 3:21

    To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

  • Esther 6:4

    ¶ And the king said, Who [is] in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

  • 1 Peter 3:3

    Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  • 1 Peter 3:5

    For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

  • Esther 4:11

    All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

  • Esther 4:16

    Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

  • Esther 8:15

    ¶ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.