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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Esther 5:1–8. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. Esther's bold approach to the king, Est 5:1. When the time appointed for their fast was finished she lost no time, but on the third day, when the impression of her devotions were fresh upon her spirit, she addressed the king. When the heart is enlarged in communion with God it will be emboldened in doing and suffering for him. Some think that the three days' fast was only one whole day and two whole nights, in all which time they did not take any food at all, and that this is called three days, as Christ's lying in the grave so long is. This exposition is favoured by the consideration that on the third day the queen made her appearance at court. Resolutions which have difficulties and dangers to break though should be pursued without delay, lest they cool and slacken. What thou doest, which must be done boldly, do it quickly. Now she put on her royal apparel, that she might the better recommend herself to the king, and laid aside her fast-day clothes. She put on her fine clothes, not to please herself, but her husband; in her prayer, as we find in the Apocrypha (Esther 14:16), she thus appeals to God: Thou knowest, Lord, I abhor the sign of my high estate which is upon my head, in the days wherein I show myself, etc. Let hose whose rank obliges them to wear rich clothes learn hence to be dead to them, and not make them their adorning. She stood in the inner court over against the king, expecting her doom, between hope and fear.
II.The favourable reception which the king gave her.
When he saw her she obtained favour in his sight. The apocryphal author and Josephus say that she took two maids with her, on one of whom she leaned, while the other bore up her train, - that her countenance was cheerful and very amiable, but her heart was in anguish, - that the king, lifting up his countenance that shone with majesty, at first looked very fiercely upon here, whereupon she grew pale, and fainted, and bowed herself on the head of the maid that went by her; but then God changed the spirit of the king, and, in a fear, he leaped from his throne, took her in his arms till she came to herself, and comforted her with loving words. Here we are only told,
1.That he protected her from the law, and assured her of safety, by holding out to her the golden sceptre (Est 5:2), which she thankfully touched the top of, thereby presenting herself to him as a humble petitioner. Thus having had power with God and prevailed, like Jacob, she had power with men too. He that will lose his life for God shall save it, or find it in a better life.
2.That he encouraged her address (Est 5:3): What wilt thou, queen Esther, and what is thy request? So far was he from counting her an offender that he seemed glad to see her, and desirous to oblige her. He that had divorced one wife for not coming when she was sent for would not be severe to another for coming when she was not sent for. God can turn the hearts of men, of great men, of those that act most arbitrarily, which way he pleases towards us. Esther feared that she should perish, but was promised that she should have what she might ask for, though it were the half of the kingdom. Note, God in his providence often prevents the fears, and outdoes the hopes, of his people, especially when they venture in his cause. Let us from this story infer, as our Saviour does from the parable of the unjust judge, an encouragement to pray always to our God, and not faint, Luk 18:6-8. Hear what this haughty king says (What is thy petition, and what is thy request? It shall be granted thee), and say shall not God hear and answer the prayers of his own elect, that cry day and night to him? Esther came to a proud imperious man; we come to the God of love and grace. She was not called; we are: the Spirit says, Come, and the bride says, Come. She had a law against her; we have a promise, many a promise, in favour of us: Ask, and it shall be given you. She had no friend to introduce her, or intercede for her, while on the contrary he that was then the king's favourite was her enemy; but we have an advocate with the Father, in whom he is well pleased. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.
3.That all the request she had to make to him, at this time, was that he would please to come to a banquet which she had prepared for him, and bring Haman along with him, Est 5:4, Est 5:5. Hereby,
(1.)She would intimate to him how much she valued his favour and company. Whatever she had to ask, she desired his favour above any thing, and would purchase it at any rate.
(2.)She would try how he stood affected to her; for, if he should refuse this, it would be to no purpose as yet to present her other request.
(3.)She would endeavour to bring him into a pleasant humour, and soften his spirit, that he might with the more tenderness receive the impressions of the complaint she had to make to him.
(4.)She would please him, by making court to Haman his favourite, and inviting him to come whose company she knew he loved and whom she desired to have present when she made her complaint; for she would say nothing of him but what she durst say to his face.
(5.)She hoped at the banquet of wine to have a fairer and more favourable opportunity of presenting her petition. Wisdom is profitable to direct how to manage some men that are hard to deal with, and to take them by the right handle.
4.That he readily came, and ordered Haman to come along with him (Est 5:5), which was an indication of the kindness he still retained for her; if he really designed the destruction of her and her people, he would not have accepted her banquet. There he renewed his kind enquiry (What is thy petition?) and his generous promise, that it should be granted, even to the half of the kingdom (Est 5:6), a proverbial expression, by which he assured her that he would deny her nothing in reason. Herod used it, Mar 6:23.
5.That then Esther thought fit to ask no more than a promise that he would please to accept of another treat, the next day, in her apartment, and Haman with him (Est 5:7, Est 5:8), intimating to him that then she would let him know what her business was. This adjourning of the main petition may be attributed,
(1.)To Esther's prudence; thus she hoped yet further to win upon him and ingratiate herself with him. Perhaps her heart failed her now when she was going to make her request, and she desired to take some further time for prayer, that God would give her a mouth and wisdom. The putting of it off thus, it is likely, she knew would be well taken as an expression of the great reverence she had for the king, and her unwillingness to be too pressing upon him. What is hastily asked is often as hastily denied; but what is asked with a pause deserves to be considered.
(2.)To God's providence putting it into Esther's heart to delay her petition a day longer, she knew not why, but God did, that what was to happen in the night intervening between this and tomorrow might further her design and make way for her success, that Haman might arrive at the highest pitch of malice against Mordecai and might begin to fall before him. The Jews perhaps blamed Ester as dilatory, and some of them began to suspect her sincerity, or at least her zeal; but the event disproved their jealousy, and all was for the best.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
This postponement of the petition is not due to a fault of laziness but must be attributed to the virtue of patience, clearly indicating that the reward of the righteous and the punishment of the sinners are reserved for the future. “Tomorrow,” in fact, must be interpreted as “the future,” as in that comforting sentence, “Do not worry about tomorrow.” And in Genesis Jacob says to Laban, “My justice will answer for me tomorrow.” And in Exodus, when the rules about the eating of the Passover lamb are given, it is added, “You shall let none of it remain until the morning.” Therefore when the day of future judgment comes and the entire human race, both righteous and sinners, is brought before the supreme Judge, then it will be revealed with which mind each person lived in this world. The righteous will be invited to reach the kingdom of the heavenly homeland through the sentence of this judge, and the sinners will be punished and expelled together with the devil into the torments of hell.
Notice how the will of the inviting queen and the order of the commanding king agree. But woe to the one who comes to the banquet of the Lord with an evil mind! Even though such a person has his heart defiled by hatred and a corrupt conscience, he is not ashamed to enter unworthily the banquet of the Lord. Even though he comes after being invited, he does not bask in the joy of the guests. But when the king comes and sees that he sits there without wearing a wedding robe, he will rebuke his temerity and will order him to be bound hand and foot and thrown into the outer darkness where he will be forced to suffer the evil of his deception which he was wickedly preparing against the innocent, as Solomon says, “The wicked will be caught in his snares.”
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Summary
Esther 5:6 captures the dramatic climax of the first banquet hosted by Queen Esther for King Ahasuerus and Haman, where the king, evidently pleased and perhaps emboldened by wine, reiterates his profound favor towards Esther. He presses her to reveal her petition, offering to grant it with astonishing generosity, even "to the half of the kingdom." This pivotal moment not only underscores the king's absolute authority and Esther's burgeoning influence but also strategically sets the stage for her calculated delay, building anticipation for the ultimate revelation of Haman's sinister plot and the divinely orchestrated deliverance of the Jewish people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated immediately after Esther's courageous, unsummoned approach to King Ahasuerus, an act that carried the death penalty but miraculously resulted in the king extending his golden scepter, signifying acceptance and favor (as described in Esther 5:2). Rather than immediately presenting her desperate plea for her people, Esther, demonstrating remarkable foresight and strategic acumen, invited the king and Haman to a private banquet (Esther 5:4). The king's insistent question in Esther 5:6 serves as a direct follow-up to this initial gathering, highlighting his eagerness to fulfill her desire. This moment sets up the dramatic tension that will lead to a second, even more crucial banquet (Esther 5:8), where her true petition will finally be unveiled. Esther's deliberate delay is critical for building suspense, ensuring the king's most favorable disposition, and allowing divine providence to unfold.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Persian Empire, at its zenith under King Ahasuerus (widely identified as Xerxes I), was an immense and formidable power, extending from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1). Persian monarchs were renowned for their absolute authority and often made lavish, even hyperbolic, pronouncements. The phrase "to the half of the kingdom" was a common idiom in ancient Near Eastern courts, signifying an extremely generous and virtually unlimited offer, rather than a literal division of the empire. It was a rhetorical flourish indicating boundless favor. Banquets were not merely social gatherings but significant political events, often serving as venues for diplomacy, celebration, and the making of momentous decisions. The king's offer at such a banquet, especially one initiated by the queen, would carry immense weight and expectation, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the king's profound goodwill towards Esther. The cultural expectation for a queen to approach the king only when summoned, under penalty of death, further emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Esther's initial act and the profound favor she found.
Key Themes
Esther 5:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Esther. Firstly, it highlights the Royal Favor and Power of King Ahasuerus, whose extravagant offer underscores his absolute authority and the immense goodwill he holds for Esther. This favor, though seemingly arbitrary, is implicitly divinely orchestrated. Secondly, it showcases Esther's Strategic Wisdom and Patience. Her decision to delay her petition, even when presented with such a grand opportunity, and instead invite the king and Haman to a second banquet (Esther 5:8) demonstrates remarkable insight into the psychology of power and the critical importance of timing. This calculated patience is crucial for the successful outcome of her mission. Finally, while God is notably not explicitly mentioned in the book, this verse strongly implies Divine Providence. The king's unexpected and repeated offer of such a vast concession is not merely a coincidence; it is part of God's unseen hand working behind the scenes to position Esther for the deliverance of His people from Haman's wicked decree, echoing the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even in exile, as seen in passages like Genesis 50:20.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to ask," this word (H7596) refers to a formal or significant request, a plea for something desired. In the context of a king, it denotes something the supplicant earnestly hopes will be granted. The king's use of this term, immediately followed by his promise to grant it, emphasizes the open-ended nature of his generosity and his readiness to fulfill Esther's deepest wish, whatever it might be.
This term (H1246), similar to "petition," also signifies a formal or earnest appeal. The repetition of "petition" and "request" in the king's statement is a rhetorical device, specifically a form of parallelism, used to emphasize the breadth and sincerity of his offer. It suggests that no matter how Esther phrases her appeal, or what specific form it takes, he is prepared to honor it without reservation.
This phrase (H2677, H4438) is a hyperbolic idiom, common in ancient Near Eastern royal pronouncements, signifying an offer of boundless generosity and virtually unlimited resources, rather than a literal division of the empire. It communicates the king's extreme favor and willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to please Esther, highlighting the immense power he wields and the magnitude of the opportunity now placed before her.
Verse Breakdown
"And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine"
This clause establishes the intimate and convivial setting, a "banquet of wine" (H4960, H3196), which suggests a relaxed atmosphere conducive to openness and generosity on the king's part. It highlights the strategic environment Esther has meticulously created, shifting the conversation from the formal, constrained throne room to a more personal and less inhibited setting.
"What [is] thy petition?"
This direct and eager question from the king (H4428, H559) indicates his readiness and anticipation to hear Esther's request (H7596). It confirms that the purpose of the banquet, from his perspective, is for Esther to make her appeal, demonstrating his attentiveness and desire to please her.
"and it shall be granted thee"
This immediate and unconditional promise (H5414) underscores the king's immense favor and unwavering commitment. Before even hearing the specific request, he pledges to fulfill it, signaling his boundless generosity and the strength of his affection for Esther at this crucial moment.
"and what [is] thy request?"
This rhetorical repetition (H1246), echoing the first question, serves as an emphatic reinforcement of the king's sincerity and eagerness. It ensures Esther fully understands the depth of his commitment and that he is truly prepared to grant whatever she asks, leaving no room for doubt regarding his intentions.
"even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."
This climactic phrase defines the astonishing scope of the king's offer (H2677, H4438, H6213). As a hyperbolic expression, it communicates his willingness to give an extraordinary amount, demonstrating the peak of his favor and setting a dramatic stage for the revelation of Esther's true, life-or-death petition. It emphasizes the immense power and resources at the king's disposal and his readiness to deploy them for Esther's sake.
Literary Devices
Esther 5:6 is rich with several potent literary devices that amplify its significance. Hyperbole is prominently featured in the king's extravagant offer of "even to the half of the kingdom," a common ancient Near Eastern idiom that dramatically emphasizes his boundless generosity rather than a literal division of his vast empire. This exaggeration serves to highlight the extraordinary favor bestowed upon Esther and the immense, almost limitless power of the Persian monarch. The Repetition of "petition" and "request" (a form of Parallelism) underscores the king's earnestness and the open-ended nature of his offer, reinforcing his sincerity and commitment to Esther. Furthermore, the verse masterfully builds Suspense by having the king press Esther for her request, only for her to delay, creating intense anticipation for the crucial revelation that will come at the second banquet. This strategic delay by Esther also showcases her profound Wisdom and Foresight, as she understands the critical importance of timing and atmosphere in such high-stakes negotiations, demonstrating a keen grasp of court politics and human psychology.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Esther 5:6, while seemingly a straightforward exchange, is deeply imbued with theological significance, particularly concerning God's active, though often unseen, providence. The king's extravagant offer, far beyond what Esther might have reasonably hoped for, is a powerful testament to how God works through human agency and even the unpredictable whims of powerful rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. It highlights that even in seemingly secular or politically driven contexts, God can incline the hearts of kings and orchestrate circumstances to bring about His sovereign will for His people. This divine hand is subtly yet powerfully evident in the timing of the banquet, the king's remarkably favorable disposition, and the astonishing magnitude of his pledge, all meticulously setting the stage for the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's wicked plot.
Reflection and Application
Esther 5:6 offers profound and timely lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the strategic nature of prayer, the wisdom of discerning divine timing, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign hand. Just as Esther meticulously prepared the banquet and strategically delayed her petition, we are called to approach God with thoughtful, persistent prayer, not merely with immediate demands. This doesn't imply manipulating God, but rather aligning our requests with His perfect will and trusting His perfect timing. Esther's patience in the face of an urgent, life-threatening crisis reminds us that not every pressing matter requires an immediate response; sometimes, waiting on God and diligently preparing the ground for His intervention yields far greater and more lasting results. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to recognize that even in situations where God's presence or intervention isn't overtly declared, His providence is actively at work, guiding events and opening doors, often through unexpected means and human decisions, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Our role is to be faithful, wise, and trusting, even when the path forward is unclear or seems to defy immediate resolution.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Esther delay her petition when the king offered so much?
Esther's decision to delay her petition, despite the king's incredibly generous offer in Esther 5:6, demonstrates remarkable strategic wisdom and profound discernment. She understood that while the king was in a favorable mood, the gravity of her request—accusing Haman, the king's trusted vizier, of a plot that would endanger her entire people—required more than just a fleeting moment of goodwill. By inviting the king and Haman to a second banquet (Esther 5:8), Esther achieved several critical objectives: she built suspense and heightened the king's curiosity, further solidified her unique favor with the king, allowed the king's goodwill and anticipation to deepen, and provided an additional opportunity for Haman to become complacent or even overconfident (as vividly depicted in Esther 5:9-14). This calculated delay ensured the optimal conditions for her life-or-death plea to be heard and acted upon decisively, reflecting her profound understanding of court politics, human psychology, and divine timing.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Esther 5:6, with its depiction of a powerful king offering an extravagant gift and an intercessor strategically approaching authority, powerfully foreshadows the boundless generosity of God in Christ and the ultimate intercession of our Savior. King Ahasuerus's offer of "half of the kingdom" pales in comparison to the spiritual riches and eternal inheritance offered to believers through Christ. Just as Esther courageously approached the king to save her people, Jesus, our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us before the throne of God, not with a limited offer, but with the full and complete salvation purchased by His precious blood (Hebrews 7:25). The king's willingness to grant Esther's request, whatever it might be, mirrors God's readiness to hear and answer the prayers of His children who approach Him through Christ, for He has already given us His Son, the greatest and most comprehensive gift imaginable (Romans 8:32). Furthermore, the kingdom that Christ offers is not merely half, but a full, eternal, and unshakable reign with Him (Revelation 22:5; Hebrews 12:28). Esther's strategic wisdom in securing favor points to Christ, who, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, secured for us ultimate and eternal favor with God, granting us unhindered access to the very throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:16).