Esther 5:8

KJV

If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

KJV (with Strong's)

If I have found {H4672} favour {H2580} in the sight {H5869} of the king {H4428}, and if it please {H2895} the king {H4428} to grant {H5414} my petition {H7596}, and to perform {H6213} my request {H1246}, let the king {H4428} and Haman {H2001} come {H935} to the banquet {H4960} that I shall prepare {H6213} for them, and I will do {H6213} to morrow {H4279} as the king {H4428} hath said {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Ester answered, "My request, what I want, is this: if I have won the king's favor, if it pleases the king to grant my request and do what I want, let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them; and tomorrow I will do as the king has said."

Berean Standard Bible

If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”

American Standard Version

If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to-morrow as the king hath said.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 5:8 reveals Queen Esther's masterful and suspenseful strategic maneuver after successfully gaining King Ahasuerus's favor and an open offer to grant her deepest desire. Instead of immediately presenting her critical, life-or-death petition for her people, she shrewdly requests a second private banquet for the king and Haman. This calculated delay not only amplifies the dramatic tension and allows Haman's pride to dangerously swell, but it also profoundly demonstrates Esther's profound wisdom, reliance on opportune timing, and subtle orchestration by divine providence, setting the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortunes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 5:8 is a pivotal moment within a meticulously crafted narrative of suspense and divine intervention. It immediately follows Esther's courageous, unsolicited approach to King Ahasuerus, an act that could have resulted in her death had the king not extended his golden scepter ([Esther 5:2](/esther/5-2 "Esther 5:2 - Esther's Bold Approach")). Having secured not only her life but also an extraordinary offer from the king—up to half of his kingdom ([Esther 5:3](/esther/5-3 "Esther 5:3 - The King's Generous Offer to Esther"))—Esther's initial request was surprisingly modest: an invitation for the king and Haman to a private banquet she had prepared ([Esther 5:4](/esther/5-4 "Esther 5:4 - Esther's First Banquet Invitation")). At this first banquet, when the king reiterated his generous offer ([Esther 5:6](/esther/5-6 "Esther 5:6 - The King Repeats His Offer")), Esther, in verse 8, makes the unexpected request for *yet another* banquet the following day. This deliberate deferral intensifies the narrative's tension, building towards the climactic revelation of Haman's genocidal plot and his subsequent downfall in [Esther 7](/esther/7 "Esther 7 - Haman's Execution").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold within the highly centralized and opulent Persian Empire, specifically in the capital city of Susa, during the reign of Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). Persian court protocol was exceedingly rigid; an unsummoned approach to the king was a capital offense, highlighting Esther's immense courage and the king's unusual display of favor. Banquets in this era were far more than mere social events; they were significant political arenas where alliances were forged, power was displayed, and crucial decisions were often made. The inclusion of Haman, the king's chief minister and second only to Ahasuerus, at such an intimate, exclusive gathering would have been perceived as an immense honor, further inflating his already considerable pride and public standing. Esther's strategic use of the banquet, a culturally significant institution, demonstrates her profound understanding of court dynamics and her astute ability to navigate a perilous environment.
* **Key Themes:** Esther 5:8 is a rich tapestry woven with several profound themes central to the book. The theme of **Strategic Wisdom and Timing** is paramount; Esther's decision to delay her true petition is a masterful stroke of genius, allowing Haman's arrogance to reach its zenith and ensuring the maximum psychological and political impact of her eventual revelation. This echoes the biblical wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 15:28](/proverbs/15-28 "Proverbs 15:28 - The Heart of the Righteous Ponders How to Answer"). The pervasive theme of **Divine Providence** is subtly yet powerfully present throughout the narrative, even without explicit mention of God. Esther's finding favor, her calculated actions, the precise timing of events, and the king's sleepless night in [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - The King's Sleepless Night") all point to a sovereign hand orchestrating salvation for His people, a concept beautifully illustrated in the life of [Joseph](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Intended it for Good"). Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "favor" underscores the critical importance of **Royal Favor** and the understanding that Esther's success hinged entirely on maintaining the king's goodwill, reflecting a broader biblical principle of seeking and acknowledging favor from both God and human authorities, as seen in [Proverbs 3:4](/proverbs/3-4 "Proverbs 3:4 - Finding Favor with God and Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chên_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be gracious," this term signifies grace, charm, acceptance, or goodwill. In this context, it denotes being looked upon with kindness and a positive disposition, often implying an unmerited or freely given positive regard. Esther's repeated emphasis on "favour" (also in [Esther 5:2](/esther/5-2 "Esther 5:2 - Esther Finds Favor") and [Esther 5:3](/esther/5-3 "Esther 5:3 - The King's Favor Extended")) highlights her astute understanding that her very life and the potential success of her petition were entirely dependent on the king's continued positive disposition towards her. It underscores the precariousness of her position and her strategic recognition of the source of her influence.
* **Request (Hebrew, _baqqâshâh_):** From the root "to seek" or "to ask," this word refers to a formal or earnest petition, a thing asked for. It denotes a more significant and specific appeal than a casual inquiry, emphasizing the gravity and specific nature of what Esther intends to ask. While "petition" (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêlâh_) is also used, "request" here reinforces the earnestness and formal nature of her appeal, building anticipation for its eventual revelation. The king's repeated offers to grant her "petition" and "request" (also in [Esther 5:3](/esther/5-3 "The King's Promise to Esther") and [Esther 5:6](/esther/5-6 "Esther 5:6 - The King's Renewed Offer")) underscore his readiness to fulfill her desire, making her strategic delay even more intriguing and impactful.
* **Tomorrow (Hebrew, _mâchâr_):** This adverb literally means "the morrow" or "the next day," but it can also imply a future, indefinite time. In Esther 5:8, its specific usage ("to morrow") is crucial, setting a precise deadline for Esther's revelation. This immediate future timing heightens the suspense, both for the king and for the audience, and crucially, for Haman, who is invited to return. The explicit mention of "tomorrow" serves as a narrative device to build anticipation and to ensure that the king knows her delay is not a refusal but a strategic postponement, promising a resolution very soon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request":** This opening clause is a masterful display of humility, deference, and strategic rhetoric. Esther does not presume the king's continued goodwill but carefully frames her request within the context of his ongoing favor and pleasure. The repetition of terms like "favour," "petition," and "request" (the latter being a near synonym for petition, emphasizing earnestness) serves to gently remind the king of his previous generous offers while simultaneously setting a tone of respectful submission. It showcases Esther's skillful navigation of royal protocol and her ability to persuade without demanding.
* **"let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them":** This is the immediate, tangible request Esther makes. The invitation to a second, identical banquet is both perplexing and brilliant. It sustains the king's curiosity, reinforces Esther's desire to honor him, and, most critically, continues to include Haman. Haman's presence is essential for the unfolding dramatic irony and for his eventual downfall, as he is unknowingly being led further into a trap. The phrase "that I shall prepare for them" reiterates her personal effort and hospitality, emphasizing her continued dedication to honoring her sovereign.
* **"and I will do to morrow as the king hath said":** This concluding phrase serves as a firm promise that on the following day, Esther will indeed reveal her true petition, as the king has repeatedly urged her to do (e.g., [Esther 5:6](/esther/5-6 "Esther 5:6 - The King's Persistent Inquiry")). It assures the king that her delay is not a refusal or evasion but a strategic postponement for a specific, undisclosed reason. This maintains the high level of suspense for both the king and the reader, building immense anticipation for the climactic revelation that is now just one day away, ensuring maximum impact for the unfolding drama.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 5:8 is expertly crafted with several literary devices that amplify its dramatic and thematic impact. **Suspense** is the most dominant device, as Esther's repeated delay of her true, life-altering petition keeps both the king and the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what she will finally ask and why she is waiting. This creates a powerful and sustained narrative tension. **Dramatic Irony** is heavily employed, particularly through Haman's inclusion in these exclusive banquets. He interprets these invitations as the highest honor, believing himself to be uniquely favored by the queen, while the audience knows he is unknowingly being drawn into a trap that will lead to his utter ruin. His inflated pride, fueled by these invitations, makes his eventual, humiliating downfall all the more poignant and satisfying. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing** by explicitly hinting at a significant revelation to come "to morrow," building immense anticipation for the pivotal events of [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - The King's Sleepless Night") and [Esther 7](/esther/7 "Esther 7 - Haman's Execution"). Esther's strategic choice to delay also exemplifies a narrative technique of **Strategic Delay**, where the protagonist intentionally prolongs the resolution of a conflict or the revelation of a truth to achieve a greater effect or to allow circumstances to ripen, demonstrating profound wisdom and calculated action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 5:8, though seemingly a simple request, carries profound theological implications, subtly underscoring the principle of divine providence working through human wisdom and opportune timing. Esther's strategic delay is not merely a clever human tactic but implicitly an act of trusting that the perfect moment for God's intervention has not yet fully arrived. Her reliance on the king's "favor" can be seen as a reflection of a deeper, implicit reliance on God's unmerited favor, which is the ultimate source of all blessing, protection, and deliverance. The narrative subtly teaches that God often works through the careful, patient, and courageous actions of His people, even when His name is not explicitly invoked. This patient wisdom, coupled with a bold spirit and a keen sense of timing, becomes the divinely appointed conduit for God's redemptive plan for His chosen people, demonstrating that even in the absence of overt miracles, God is actively at work behind the scenes.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalm/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 5:8 offers a profound and practical lesson in strategic patience, wisdom, and the critical importance of timing, particularly when navigating challenging or high-stakes situations. It powerfully reminds us that not every urgent matter demands an immediate response; sometimes, a well-calculated delay, a period of observation, or a strategic pause can be far more effective and impactful than impulsive action. Esther's remarkable ability to discern the opportune moment, to patiently build rapport, and to allow circumstances to develop before making her ultimate, life-altering request serves as an enduring model for us. In our own lives, whether confronting personal conflicts, engaging in professional negotiations, or seeking spiritual discernment, there are moments when "waiting on the Lord" means actively preparing, observing, praying, and trusting that the right time for decisive action will emerge. This passage calls us to cultivate prudence, to diligently seek divine wisdom, and to act with courage and conviction when the moment finally arrives, understanding that even our human strategies, when surrendered to God, can become integral parts of His larger, unseen, and perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a situation where strategic delay or patience proved to be more effective than immediate action?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of discernment for "opportune timing" in your personal and professional decision-making?**
* **In what ways does Esther's reliance on the king's "favor" encourage you to lean more deeply on God's unmerited grace and sovereign provision in your own circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did Esther delay her petition and invite Haman to a second banquet?**

Answer: Esther's decision to delay her petition and invite Haman to a second banquet was a brilliant and multi-faceted strategic maneuver, demonstrating profound wisdom and foresight. Firstly, it masterfully amplified the **suspense** for the king, ensuring his full and undivided attention and heightened curiosity for her eventual, critical request. Secondly, this delay allowed Haman's already inflated **pride and arrogance** to swell to an unsustainable and dangerous level, making his subsequent public humiliation and downfall all the more dramatic and justly deserved. Haman's reaction after the first banquet, as detailed in [Esther 5:9-14](/esther/5-9-14 "Esther 5:9-14 - Haman's Arrogance and Plans for Mordecai"), vividly illustrates just how dangerously inflated his ego became. Thirdly, the delay provided Esther with crucial additional time to solidify her plan, mentally prepare her case, and ensure maximum impact for her revelation. Finally, and most significantly from a theological perspective, this delay allowed for the pivotal, divinely orchestrated events of [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - The King's Sleepless Night and Mordecai's Honor") to unfold, where the king's sleepless night led him to discover Mordecai's past loyalty, setting the perfect stage for Haman's ultimate humiliation and the dramatic reversal of fortunes. It was a divinely timed and humanly wise delay, ensuring the perfect conditions for the deliverance of God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 5:8, with its compelling narrative of a queen's strategic intercession and her reliance on an earthly king's favor, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. Esther, risking her very life to save her people, strategically approaches the human king, relying on his goodwill and authority. In a far grander and eternal sense, Christ, our heavenly High Priest and advocate, intercedes for us before the King of Kings, not based on any earned favor but on His perfect sacrifice and the Father's eternal, unmerited grace. Just as Esther's patient wisdom and precise timing secured deliverance for Israel from their physical enemy, Christ's perfect timing and divine wisdom in His earthly ministry culminated in His atoning work on the cross, securing eternal salvation and deliverance from sin and death for all who believe. His "petition" was not a request for half a kingdom, but for the redemption and preservation of all who the Father had given Him ([John 17:9-24](/john/17-9-24 "John 17:9-24 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), a request that was fully granted through His finished work. The "favor" Esther sought from Ahasuerus pales in comparison to the boundless **grace** and divine favor we receive from God through Christ, who "found favor" with God and man in all He did ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth and Favor")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose sacrifice at the perfect time ([Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6 - Christ Died for the Ungodly")) secured our access to the Father's throne of grace, making us recipients of eternal favor and deliverance from our ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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

Proverbs 16:9

¶ A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Esther 7:3

Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

Esther 6:1

¶ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

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.

Esther 8:5

And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing [seem] right before the king, and I [be] pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which [are] in all the king's provinces: