Esther 5:2

KJV

And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, [that] she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that [was] in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, when the king {H4428} saw {H7200} Esther {H635} the queen {H4436} standing {H5975} in the court {H2691}, that she obtained {H5375} favour {H2580} in his sight {H5869}: and the king {H4428} held out {H3447} to Esther {H635} the golden {H2091} sceptre {H8275} that was in his hand {H3027}. So Esther {H635} drew near {H7126}, and touched {H5060} the top {H7218} of the sceptre {H8275}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the king saw Ester the queen standing in the courtyard, she won his favor; so the king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Ester. Ester approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 5:2 records the critical moment when Queen Esther, having risked her life by approaching King Ahasuerus without an invitation, receives immediate and life-saving favor. The king's extension of his golden scepter signals not only her survival but also his willingness to hear her petition, marking a divine turning point in the narrative that sets the stage for the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of Esther's courageous decision, detailed in [Esther 4](/esther/4 "Esther 4 - Mordecai's Challenge and Esther's Resolve"). Having been challenged by Mordecai to act for her people (cf. [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - For Such a Time as This")), and after calling for a three-day fast by all the Jews in Susa (cf. [Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Famous Declaration")), Esther steps into the inner court of the king's palace. Her approach is a direct violation of Persian law, which stipulated death for anyone who entered the king's presence unsummoned, unless the king extended his golden scepter (cf. [Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The Law of Approaching the King")). The tension is palpable, as the fate of Esther and her entire people hangs on the king's immediate reaction. This verse resolves that immediate tension, paving the way for Esther to begin her strategic requests.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire, at the time of King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I, 486-465 BC), was vast and governed by absolute monarchy. The king's authority was supreme, and his person was considered sacred, making direct, uninvited access a capital offense. This strict protocol served to protect the monarch from assassination and to underscore his ultimate power over life and death. The "golden sceptre" (Hebrew: _sharbiyt_) was a powerful symbol of this absolute authority. Its extension was an act of sovereign mercy, a deliberate choice by the king to grant life and audience. Esther's act was not merely a breach of etiquette but a direct challenge to a life-or-death decree, highlighting the immense courage required and the profound significance of the king's response in a culture where royal decree was immutable.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 5:2 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Esther. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is vividly portrayed; though God is never explicitly named in the book, His unseen hand is undeniably at work, inclining the king's heart to favor Esther, thus orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people. This aligns with the biblical principle that [the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Secondly, **Courage and Obedience** are exemplified by Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people, embodying her famous declaration, "[If I perish, I perish](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Famous Declaration")". Her act of drawing near and touching the scepter signifies her humble yet resolute acceptance of the king's mercy and her readiness to proceed with her mission. Thirdly, the theme of **Royal Authority and Mercy** is paramount, as the king's extension of the scepter demonstrates his absolute power to grant life or death, and his choice to grant mercy becomes the pivotal turning point for the Jewish people's salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chen_):** This word signifies grace, charm, or unmerited kindness. In this context, it implies that Esther's acceptance by King Ahasuerus was not something she earned or deserved based on protocol, but a benevolent disposition freely and sovereignly granted by the king. It highlights the unearned nature of the king's positive response, suggesting a divine influence on his will.
* **Golden Sceptre (Hebrew, _sharbiyt_):** This refers to a royal staff or rod, typically made of precious metal, serving as the ultimate emblem of the monarch's supreme power and authority. In the Persian court, its extension was the sole means by which an uninvited person could be spared from immediate execution. It was an instrument of life and death, and its golden nature emphasized the king's wealth, status, and absolute dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the critical observation. Esther has successfully entered the inner court, directly in the king's line of sight. The tension is immense, as the king's gaze is the precursor to either a death sentence or a grant of life. Her "standing" implies a posture of humble waiting, acknowledging the king's supreme authority.
* **"[that] she obtained favour in his sight:"**: This is the immediate and crucial outcome. The king's initial reaction is one of "favour" or grace, not wrath. This unmerited positive disposition is the first sign that Esther's courageous act, and by extension, God's unseen plan, is unfolding successfully. This "favor" is the divine enablement for her mission.
* **"and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that [was] in his hand."**: This is the decisive action that seals Esther's safety and grants her audience. The king's deliberate extension of the scepter, the symbol of his absolute power, is an act of sovereign mercy. It signifies that her life is spared and that he is open to hearing her request, overriding the strict protocol.
* **"So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."**: This describes Esther's humble and obedient response to the king's grace. Her act of drawing near demonstrates her acceptance of his mercy, while "touching the top of the sceptre" is a customary gesture of submission and gratitude, acknowledging the king's authority and confirming her acceptance of his life-giving gesture. It signifies that the communication channel is now open.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Esther 5:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Suspense** is paramount, built throughout [Esther 4](/esther/4 "Esther 4 - Mordecai's Challenge and Esther's Resolve") as Esther deliberates and prepares for this perilous encounter. The moment the king sees her, the reader is on tenterhooks, awaiting his life-or-death decision. The **Symbolism** of the "golden sceptre" is profound, representing the king's absolute authority, his capacity for mercy, and the very thin line between life and death in the Persian court. Its extension is a visual metaphor for the granting of grace. The scene also serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Providence**, subtly demonstrating how God, though unmentioned, orchestrates human events and inclines the hearts of rulers (cf. [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")) to achieve His purposes, particularly the salvation of His people. The narrative’s focus on the king’s immediate, unprompted favor underscores this unseen divine hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 5:2 is a profound illustration of divine providence and the effectiveness of courageous, faith-filled action. The king's unexpected favor towards Esther, despite her violation of strict court protocol, points to God's sovereign ability to influence human hearts and circumstances for His ultimate purposes. This moment is not merely a stroke of luck but a divinely orchestrated turning point, demonstrating that even when God's name is not spoken, His hand is actively guiding the course of history and the lives of His people. It teaches us that God can open doors and grant favor in seemingly impossible situations, often in response to prayer and bold obedience, ensuring that His redemptive plan for humanity unfolds.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "Genesis 39:21 - Joseph Finds Favor in Prison")
* [Nehemiah 2:4-6](/nehemiah/2-4 "Nehemiah 2:4-6 - Nehemiah's Prayer and the King's Favor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 5:2 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that courageous faith, coupled with prayer and preparation, can unlock divine favor in the face of daunting challenges. Esther's willingness to risk everything for her people, trusting that God would work even through the most perilous circumstances, encourages us to step out in boldness when called to stand for truth, justice, or the well-being of others. It teaches us that God's favor may not always manifest as ease or comfort, but as an enabling grace that empowers us to fulfill His purposes, even in hostile environments. Just as Esther's humble touch of the scepter acknowledged the king's authority while accepting his grace, we are called to approach our sovereign God with both reverence and confidence, trusting that His hand is at work, even when His presence feels hidden.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unsummoned" moments might God be calling you to step into today, trusting in His favor and provision?**
* **How does Esther's humility in "touching the top of the sceptre" inform our approach to authority, both human and divine?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise courageous faith, believing that God's providence is at work even when unseen?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so dangerous for Esther to approach the king unsummoned?**

Answer: In the ancient Persian Empire, the king held absolute power, and his person was considered sacred. Strict court protocol dictated that no one, not even the queen, could enter the king's inner court without being explicitly summoned. To do so was considered a capital offense, punishable by immediate death, unless the king chose to extend his golden scepter as a sign of mercy and acceptance. This law protected the king from assassination attempts and underscored his supreme authority over life and death, making Esther's act incredibly perilous and a testament to her courage (cf. [Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The Law of Approaching the King")).

**What is the significance of the "golden sceptre" in this verse?**

Answer: The golden scepter was the ultimate symbol of the Persian king's absolute authority and royal power. In the context of Esther 5:2, its extension by King Ahasuerus was a life-saving gesture. It signified that Esther's life was spared, and the king was willing to grant her an audience. Without this act of sovereign mercy, Esther would have faced immediate execution. Thus, the scepter represents the king's power to grant life, death, and favor, making its extension a pivotal moment of grace and a turning point for the entire narrative.

**Does this verse imply God directly intervened, even though He's not mentioned in the Book of Esther?**

Answer: Yes, while the Book of Esther uniquely omits any direct mention of God's name, His divine providence is powerfully evident throughout the narrative, especially in Esther 5:2. The king's unprompted "favour" towards Esther, despite the extreme risk she took, is widely interpreted by scholars as a clear demonstration of God's unseen hand at work. It aligns with biblical principles that God can influence the hearts of rulers (cf. [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")) and orchestrate seemingly coincidental events to accomplish His purposes. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even when His presence is subtly woven into the fabric of human events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's courageous approach to King Ahasuerus, risking death to intercede for her people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Esther stepped into a dangerous situation to secure favor and life for the Jews, Christ, our Great High Priest, voluntarily entered the ultimate realm of danger—the cross—to secure eternal life and favor for all humanity. Esther's need for the king's extended scepter to gain access and favor foreshadows our need for Christ to gain access to God the Father. Through Him, we are invited to "[draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")". The "favour" Esther received from the earthly king points to the immeasurable "grace" we receive from the heavenly King, a grace that is not merely a reprieve from death but a gift of new life and reconciliation (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Christ Himself is our golden scepter, extended by God, granting us access and the right to approach the Father (cf. [Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access to Grace Through Faith")). He is the ultimate demonstration of God's unmerited favor, full of "[grace and truth](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")", making a way for us where there was no way, just as Esther made a way for her people.

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

Esther 8:4

Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,

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.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Esther 2:9

And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, [which were] meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best [place] of the house of the women.

Acts 10:4

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.