Esther 5:5

KJV

Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} said {H559}, Cause Haman {H2001} to make haste {H4116}, that he may do {H6213} as Esther {H635} hath said {H1697}. So the king {H4428} and Haman {H2001} came {H935} to the banquet {H4960} that Esther {H635} had prepared {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said, "Bring Haman quickly, so that what Ester has asked for can be done."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that it may be done as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 5:5 marks a pivotal moment in Queen Esther's divinely guided strategy to expose Haman's genocidal plot and secure the salvation of her people. Following her courageous, unscheduled approach to King Ahasuerus and his favorable reception, Esther subtly initiates her intricate plan by inviting both the king and the unsuspecting Haman to a private banquet, skillfully setting the stage for the dramatic revelation and confrontation that is yet to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Queen Esther's profoundly courageous act of entering the king's inner court without being summoned, an act punishable by death according to Persian law, as highlighted in [Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The Law of Approaching the King"). Her bravery was met with divine favor, as King Ahasuerus extended his golden scepter, signifying her acceptance and offering to grant her petition up to "the half of the kingdom" ([Esther 5:3](/esther/5-3 "Esther 5:3 - King Ahasuerus's Generous Offer")). Rather than immediately revealing Haman's wicked scheme, Esther's initial, seemingly modest request was for the king and Haman to attend a banquet she had prepared ([Esther 5:4](/esther/5-4 "Esther 5:4 - Esther's First Request")). Esther 5:5 then details the king's swift and eager compliance with this request, instructing Haman to make haste, and both arrive at the banquet, completely unaware of the true, life-or-death purpose behind Esther's invitation. This strategic delay builds immense narrative tension and suspense.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the opulent Persian court in Susa during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). Persian kings were absolute monarchs, and approaching them unbidden was a capital offense, underscoring Esther's immense personal risk. Banquets in ancient Persia were not merely social gatherings but often served significant political and diplomatic purposes, providing a more intimate and less formal setting for discussions and negotiations than the public court. The king's immediate command for Haman to "make haste" reflects the absolute authority of the monarch and the expectation of instant obedience from his highest officials. Haman, as the grand vizier, would have reveled in the perceived honor of being invited to a private banquet with the king and queen, further inflating his already considerable pride and making his impending downfall all the more ironic.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 5:5 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Esther. Firstly, it showcases **Esther's Strategic Wisdom and Prudence**. Instead of an impulsive confrontation, she employs a calculated, multi-stage approach, understanding the importance of timing and setting the optimal conditions for her petition. This highlights the biblical principle that a "word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" ([Proverbs 25:11](/proverbs/25-11 "Proverbs 25:11 - A Word Fitly Spoken")). Secondly, the **King's Receptiveness and Authority** are crucial; his immediate and enthusiastic compliance with Esther's request demonstrates the extent of his favor towards her, which is indispensable for the success of her plan. Thirdly, **Haman's Blind Arrogance** is starkly evident. He walks willingly into a trap, his inflated ego preventing him from discerning the danger, serving as a powerful illustration of how "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). Finally, the verse subtly underscores **Divine Orchestration and Providence**. Though God's name is conspicuously absent from the entire Book of Esther, His unseen hand is unmistakably guiding every step, from Esther's rise to power to the king's specific actions, ensuring the deliverance of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haste (Hebrew, מָהֵר _maher_):** This verb signifies urgency and immediacy. When the king commands Haman to "make haste," it conveys his earnest desire and the swiftness with which Esther's request is to be fulfilled. It highlights the king's high regard for Esther and his promptness in attending to her wishes, setting a tone of compliance that is crucial for the unfolding drama.
* **Banquet (Hebrew, מִשְׁתֶּה _mishteh_):** More than just a meal, a "banquet" in the Persian context was a significant social and political event. The term implies a formal, often lavish feast, used for celebration, diplomacy, or important discussions. Esther's choice of a banquet as the setting for her initial request, and later for the revelation, underscores her strategic acumen, as it provides a private, controlled environment conducive to her delicate mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste":** This phrase reveals the king's immediate and authoritative response to Esther's invitation. His command to "make haste" (literally, "Haman, hurry!") signifies his eagerness to comply with Esther's request and his high esteem for her. It demonstrates the swiftness with which royal decrees were expected to be executed, especially when originating from a queen who had just risked her life to approach him.
* **"that he may do as Esther hath said.":** This clause emphasizes the king's complete trust and deference to Esther's wishes. He does not question her request but immediately directs his chief minister to comply with it. This unhesitating acceptance of Esther's seemingly simple request is vital, as it ensures Haman's presence at the banquet, setting the trap for his eventual downfall.
* **"So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.":** This final clause marks the successful execution of Esther's initial strategic move. The two most powerful men in the kingdom, one the unwitting target and the other the key to Esther's success, are now assembled in the intimate setting Esther has orchestrated. The stage is perfectly set for the next act of the drama, with Haman utterly oblivious to the peril he is about to face.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Esther 5:5 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the seemingly innocuous banquet invitation subtly hints at the dramatic events to come, creating anticipation for the reader. The very act of Haman willingly attending a banquet prepared by Esther, unaware that it is a trap designed for his ruin, is a profound example of **Irony**. His inflated pride, fueled by the perceived honor of the invitation, stands in stark contrast to his impending humiliation and destruction. Furthermore, the strategic delay by Esther, not revealing her petition immediately but inviting them to a banquet, builds significant **Suspense**. The reader, aware of Haman's plot, is left to wonder when and how Esther will reveal the truth, intensifying the narrative tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 5:5, while seemingly a straightforward narrative detail, is rich with theological implications, particularly concerning divine providence and human wisdom. It illustrates how God works through the careful, strategic actions of His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. Esther's patience and calculated steps demonstrate that spiritual warfare often requires more than impulsive action; it demands prayerful discernment, strategic planning, and perfect timing. This passage reminds us that God's sovereign plan unfolds through human agency, using ordinary circumstances and the choices of individuals to bring about extraordinary deliverance. The king's ready compliance, Haman's unwitting participation, and Esther's deliberate pace all serve God's ultimate purpose of preserving His chosen people.

* [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 5:5 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, encouraging us to cultivate patience, strategic thinking, and trust in God's unseen hand. In a world that often values immediate gratification and impulsive action, Esther's example reminds us that true wisdom often involves waiting for the opportune moment, carefully planning our steps, and creating the right environment for difficult conversations or critical decisions. Her strategic delay was not inaction but a deliberate, purposeful pause designed to maximize impact. We are also reminded to be wary of pride, as Haman's arrogance blinded him to the danger lurking in plain sight. Just as Haman walked confidently into his demise, our own unchecked pride can lead us into situations that ultimately bring about our downfall. Ultimately, this passage calls us to trust that God is at work in our lives, orchestrating circumstances and guiding our paths, even when His presence feels hidden or the events seem mundane. Our role is to act wisely, courageously, and with faith, knowing that He is sovereign over all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Esther's strategic patience challenge our tendency toward impulsive action in difficult situations?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's unseen hand, even when circumstances seem ordinary or uncertain?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Haman's arrogance regarding the dangers of pride and self-importance?**

### FAQ

**Why did Esther invite Haman to the banquet?**

Answer: Esther invited Haman to the banquet as a crucial part of her meticulous strategy to expose his wicked plot against the Jews. She understood that immediately accusing Haman in a public court setting might not yield the desired outcome. By inviting him to a private banquet with the king, she achieved several objectives: she isolated him, built suspense, and created an intimate setting where the king's attention would be undivided. This strategic delay also allowed for Haman's pride to further inflate, making his eventual downfall all the more impactful. Furthermore, by inviting him to a *second* banquet (as revealed in [Esther 5:8](/esther/5-8 "Esther 5:8 - Esther's Request for a Second Banquet")), she heightened the king's curiosity and Haman's sense of honor, ensuring the king's full outrage and Haman's complete surprise when the truth was finally revealed.

**Is it significant that God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther?**

Answer: Yes, the absence of God's explicit name in the Book of Esther is highly significant and unique among biblical books. Theologically, it is often interpreted as an illustration of God's *hester panim*, or "hidden face," where God's hand is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events through seemingly coincidental circumstances and human actions, rather than through overt miracles or direct divine speech. This narrative choice powerfully conveys the theme of divine providence, demonstrating that God is sovereign and actively involved in the affairs of His people, even in times when His presence is not overtly perceived. It teaches us to recognize God's hand in the ordinary, the political, and the seemingly secular aspects of life, reinforcing the truth that "the Lord reigns" ([Psalm 97:1](/psalm/97-1 "Psalm 97:1 - The Lord Reigns")) even when His name is not spoken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 5:5, with its portrayal of a queen strategically preparing a way for deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Esther, risking her life to approach the king and prepare a banquet that would lead to the salvation of her people, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Esther strategically orchestrated events to expose evil and bring salvation, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly executed God's plan of salvation. He did not rush into confrontation but, in divine wisdom and perfect timing, prepared the way for His ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the will of His Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father")). While Esther's banquet led to the judgment of Haman, Christ's ultimate "banquet" – the Last Supper and His atoning death – led to the decisive triumph over sin, death, and the spiritual adversary ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Esther's courage in approaching the king foreshadows our ability to [draw near with confidence to the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") through Christ, who has made the way for us. Haman's unwitting walk into a trap, driven by pride, stands in stark contrast to Christ's humble, purposeful journey to the cross, demonstrating God's love for us "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The deliverance secured by Esther is but a shadow of the eternal deliverance and spiritual triumph secured by our King, Jesus Christ.

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 6:14

And while they [were] yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.