Esther 5:7

Esther 5:7 captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as Queen Esther begins to respond to King Ahasuerus's generous offer. Having risked her life to approach the king unsummoned, she has found favor and been granted an audience. The king, eager to know her petition, has promised to grant it, even up to half his kingdom.

Context

This verse immediately follows King Ahasuerus's astonishing offer to Esther, where he states, "What is thy petition? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom" (Esther 5:3). Esther's appearance before the king was a dangerous act, as one could be put to death for approaching him without being called, unless he extended his golden scepter (Esther 4:11). Her bold approach, as seen in Esther 4:16, had been met with the king's favor, signifying divine providence at work. Instead of immediately stating her life-or-death request concerning Haman's plot against the Jewish people, Esther chooses a strategic delay.

Key Themes

• Strategic Patience and Wisdom: Esther does not rush to present her full petition. Her deferral demonstrates remarkable wisdom, understanding that timing and preparation are crucial. This patient approach allows her to set the stage for a more impactful revelation.
• Building Anticipation: By inviting the king and Haman to a banquet, and then to a second one, Esther creates suspense and curiosity. This builds the king's desire to hear her request and potentially allows for Haman's pride to swell, setting him up for a greater fall.
• Divine Providence: While Esther employs human strategy, the narrative strongly suggests that God's hand is guiding her actions. Her delay, for instance, directly precedes the king's sleepless night in Esther 6:1, which leads to the discovery of Mordecai's past service and Haman's humiliation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here, she'elah for "petition" and baqashah for "request," are closely related synonyms. She'elah generally refers to a specific question or request, while baqashah implies a more earnest seeking or plea. The use of both terms emphasizes the gravity and formality of what Esther is about to ask. The bracketed "[is]" in the KJV text is an editorial addition to complete the English sentence, as the Hebrew often implies the verb "to be."

Practical Application

Esther 5:7 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

• The Power of Prudent Timing: Not every urgent matter requires an immediate, direct confrontation. Sometimes, waiting for the right moment, gathering more information, or building relationships can lead to a more successful outcome.
• Strategic Communication: Wisdom in communication involves more than just speaking truth; it also involves knowing how and when to speak. Esther's approach highlights the importance of preparation and thoughtful delivery.
• Trusting God's Timing: Even when we employ our best strategies, we must ultimately trust in God's sovereign plan. Esther's actions, though strategic, were ultimately part of God's larger design to deliver His people, reminding us that Proverbs 16:9 holds true: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."