Esther 5:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Esther 5:1 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, depicting Queen Esther's courageous and calculated approach to King Ahasuerus. Following a three-day fast and prayer, Esther, adorned in her royal attire, steps unbidden into the inner court of the king's palace, directly facing the monarch seated on his throne. This act, punishable by death if the king did not extend his golden scepter, represents a profound demonstration of faith, strategic wisdom, and self-sacrificial resolve to intercede for her people, the Jews, who faced imminent annihilation under Haman's decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 5:1 immediately follows the intense drama of Esther 4. Mordecai has revealed Haman's genocidal plot and implored Esther to intervene. Esther initially expresses fear due to the strict Persian law that mandated death for anyone approaching the king without summons, unless he extended his golden scepter ([Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The King's Law")). Mordecai's powerful challenge, questioning if she had come to her royal position "for such a time as this" ([Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Mordecai's Challenge")), finally moves her. Esther then calls for a three-day fast for all Jews in Susa, declaring her resolve: "if I perish, I perish" ([Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Resolve")). This verse, Esther 5:1, is the direct fulfillment of that courageous declaration, marking the transition from preparation and petition to decisive, life-threatening action. It sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation and the subsequent unraveling of Haman's plot, which unfolds in the remainder of [Esther 5](/esther/5 "Esther 5 - Esther's First Banquet").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold during the Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of Ahasuerus ( Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). The Persian court was known for its elaborate protocol and the absolute power of the king. The law forbidding unsummoned access to the king, as mentioned in [Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The King's Law"), was a real and strictly enforced custom designed to protect the monarch's authority and security. Approaching the king's inner sanctum, the "inner court," was an act of extreme audacity, placing one's life entirely at the king's mercy. The "royal apparel" Esther wears was not merely finery but a deliberate assertion of her queenly status, a symbolic appeal to her legitimate position within the court, perhaps hoping to evoke a sense of respect and duty from the king. The "third day" often carries significant meaning in biblical narratives, sometimes signifying divine intervention or a turning point, which aligns with the implicit divine providence at work in this book.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Esther. Foremost is the theme of **courage and self-sacrifice**, as Esther knowingly risks her life for the salvation of her people, echoing the "if I perish, I perish" declaration from [Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Resolve"). It also highlights **strategic wisdom and preparation**, demonstrated by Esther's timing ("on the third day") and her deliberate choice of "royal apparel," suggesting a calculated approach rather than a rash impulse. The implicit theme of **divine providence** is strongly underscored; though God is never explicitly mentioned, His unseen hand is evident in guiding Esther's actions and the king's response, orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people. Finally, the verse underscores the **absolute authority of the monarch**, whose single gesture (the extension of the golden scepter) held the power of life and death, setting the stage for the dramatic tension that permeates the narrative of [Esther](/esther "The Book of Esther").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"third day" (Hebrew, _yom ha'shlishi'_):** This phrase carries significant biblical weight, often marking a crucial turning point or divine intervention (e.g., Joseph's release from prison in [Genesis 40:20](/genesis/40-20 "Genesis 40:20 - Pharaoh's Birthday"), the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Third Day at Sinai"), Jonah's deliverance from the fish in [Jonah 1:17](/jonah/1-17 "Jonah 1:17 - Jonah in the Fish")). In Esther's context, it follows the three-day fast she commanded, suggesting a period of intense prayer and spiritual preparation culminating in this decisive moment. It subtly hints at divine timing and the culmination of a period of waiting and seeking.
* **"royal apparel" (Hebrew, _levush malchut'_):** The KJV translates this as "royal apparel," but the Hebrew `levush malchut` specifically means "garment of royalty" or "royal robes." This was not merely fine clothing but the official regalia of the queen. By putting on her royal apparel, Esther was not just dressing up; she was strategically invoking her status, dignity, and legitimate position as queen. It was a visual appeal to her identity and authority, presenting herself not as a common supplicant but as a figure of consequence, demanding the king's attention and respect. This act was part of her calculated approach to mitigate the danger of her unbidden appearance.
* **"inner court" (Hebrew, _chatzer beit ha'melech ha'penimit'_):** This refers to the most restricted area of the king's palace, immediately outside the royal apartments. It was a space of immense privilege and danger, accessible only by direct invitation from the king. Standing in this court "over against the king's house" (meaning directly opposite the king's throne room) emphasized Esther's perilous proximity to the monarch and the gravity of her decision. It was the point of no return, where her life hung in the balance, dependent entirely on the king's immediate response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now it came to pass on the third day,"**: This phrase signifies a specific and significant timing. It marks the conclusion of the three-day fast Esther had called for, indicating that her action was not impulsive but the culmination of spiritual preparation and strategic waiting. The "third day" often carries symbolic weight in biblical narratives, hinting at a divinely appointed moment for a decisive turning point.
* **"that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel],"**: This describes Esther's deliberate and purposeful preparation. By donning her queenly robes, Esther was not simply dressing, but asserting her royal identity and status. This act was a strategic move, intended to present herself with dignity and authority before the king, possibly to evoke his respect and to remind him of her legitimate position, rather than appearing as a desperate, common supplicant.
* **"and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house:"**: This clause highlights the extreme risk Esther undertook. The "inner court" was a highly restricted area, and to enter it unbidden was punishable by death. Her standing "over against the king's house" (meaning directly opposite the king's throne room) emphasizes her direct confrontation with the king's absolute power and the immediate danger she faced. It was a public and perilous act of intercession.
* **"and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house."**: This describes the king's formidable presence and position of ultimate authority. His sitting "upon his royal throne" underscores his supreme power and majesty. The king's location "over against the gate of the house" implies he was visible from the inner court, directly facing anyone who dared to approach, thus intensifying the tension and highlighting the life-or-death nature of Esther's appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 5:1 is rich with **Suspense** and **Foreshadowing**. The entire narrative builds to this moment, and the phrase "on the third day" creates a sense of heightened anticipation, hinting at a significant outcome. The vivid description of Esther's perilous position in the "inner court" directly facing the king on his "royal throne" generates immediate tension, underscoring the life-or-death stakes. There is also subtle **Symbolism** in Esther's "royal apparel," which represents her status and strategic appeal, and the "inner court" itself, symbolizing the dangerous threshold between her life and potential death. The scene also presents a stark **Contrast** between Esther's vulnerable yet courageous act and the king's absolute, unchallenged authority, setting the stage for the dramatic interplay of power and petition that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 5:1 is a powerful testament to the themes of courage, divine providence, and intercession. While God is notably absent from the explicit text of Esther, His unseen hand is undeniably at work, orchestrating events through human agency. Esther's bold step, taken after a period of fasting and prayer, exemplifies a profound trust that God would honor her obedience and self-sacrifice. Her willingness to risk her life for her people foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Christ and serves as a model for believers called to stand in the gap for the vulnerable and oppressed. It reminds us that even in seemingly secular contexts or where God's presence is not overtly declared, His sovereign plan is unfolding, often through the courageous obedience of His people.

* [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Third Day at Sinai")
* [Luke 12:4-5](/luke/12-4 "Luke 12:4-5 - Fear God, Not Man")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 5:1 challenges believers to consider their own moments of decision and the call to courageous action. Esther's example teaches us that faith is not passive but often requires bold, calculated steps into uncomfortable or dangerous situations, trusting that God's hand is at work even when His presence feels hidden. Like Esther, we are called to use our unique positions, gifts, and resources—our "royal apparel"—for God's purposes, especially when advocating for justice or interceding for those in need. Her strategic preparation, combined with spiritual discipline (the fast), reminds us that faith and wisdom are not mutually exclusive but work in tandem. We are encouraged to discern God's timing, step out in obedience, and trust that if we are called to a task, He will equip us and open the necessary doors, even if it means risking our comfort or reputation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "inner courts" might God be calling me to enter in my life, where I need to step out in faith despite fear?**
* **How can I strategically use my unique gifts, position, or "royal apparel" to serve God's purposes and advocate for others?**
* **In what situations am I called to trust God's timing, even when I feel pressured to act immediately?**
* **How does Esther's "if I perish, I perish" resolve inspire me to greater courage and self-sacrifice for God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the third day" in Esther 5:1?**

Answer: The "third day" in Esther 5:1 holds significant symbolic and practical importance. Practically, it marks the completion of the three-day fast that Esther had called for among the Jews in Susa ([Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Resolve")). This period of fasting and prayer signifies intense spiritual preparation and dependence on God before undertaking such a perilous mission. Theologically, "the third day" often carries a motif of divine intervention, culmination, or resurrection in biblical narratives (e.g., Joseph's release in [Genesis 40:20](/genesis/40-20 "Genesis 40:20 - Pharaoh's Birthday"), the giving of the Law at Sinai in [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Third Day at Sinai"), Jonah's deliverance in [Jonah 1:17](/jonah/1-17 "Jonah 1:17 - Jonah in the Fish")). While God is not explicitly mentioned in Esther, the timing subtly suggests a divinely appointed moment for Esther's crucial act, reinforcing the theme of divine providence at work behind the scenes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's courageous act in Esther 5:1, where she risks her life by approaching the king unbidden to intercede for her people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. Just as Esther, adorned in royal apparel, stood as a mediator between a powerful king and a condemned people, so Christ, our great High Priest, clothed in divine glory, approached the Father on our behalf. Esther's "if I perish, I perish" resolve ([Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Resolve")) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who truly "perished" on the cross to save His people from eternal condemnation ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). Unlike Ahasuerus, who might or might not extend his scepter, our heavenly King has already extended His grace through Christ, granting us not just a reprieve but full access to His throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Esther's "third day" action also subtly points to the "third day" resurrection of Christ, which secured our salvation and opened the way for us to approach God without fear, through the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). She is a type of Christ, demonstrating the self-sacrificial love and intercessory power that finds its full and perfect expression in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.