Esther 7:2

KJV

And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? and it shall be performed, [even] to the half of the kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} again unto Esther {H635} on the second {H8145} day {H3117} at the banquet {H4960} of wine {H3196}, What is thy petition {H7596}, queen {H4436} Esther {H635}? and it shall be granted {H5414} thee: and what is thy request {H1246}? and it shall be performed {H6213}, even to the half {H2677} of the kingdom {H4438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the king again said to Ester at the wine banquet, "Whatever your request, Queen Ester, you will be granted it; whatever you want, up to half the kingdom, it will be done."

Berean Standard Bible

and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”

American Standard Version

And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 7:2 captures the climactic moment of the second banquet, where King Ahasuerus, deeply pleased with Queen Esther, reiterates his extraordinary offer to grant her any petition or request, even "to the half of the kingdom." This verse highlights the king's immense favor towards Esther and sets the stage for her long-anticipated revelation, marking the turning point in the narrative where Esther is empowered to expose Haman's wicked plot and intercede for her people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic culmination of Esther's carefully orchestrated plan. Having strategically invited King Ahasuerus and Haman to two successive banquets (Esther 5:4, 7:1), Esther has built immense anticipation. At the first banquet, she deferred her request, only asking for a second gathering, thereby heightening the king's curiosity and Haman's complacency. The king's repeated offer in [Esther 5:6](/esther/5-6 "Esther 5:6 - The King's First Offer") and now in [Esther 7:2](/esther/7-2 "Esther 7:2 - The King's Second Offer") underscores his earnest desire to please Esther and sets the perfect stage for her to finally reveal her identity and make her life-or-death plea against Haman. The immediate verses following ([Esther 7:3-6](/esther/7-3 "Esther 7:3-6 - Esther's Revelation and Accusation")) detail Esther's courageous accusation, making [Esther 7:2](/esther/7-2 "Esther 7:2 - The Pivotal Moment") the pivotal point where the narrative tension breaks.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the opulent Persian court in Susa, where the king held absolute authority. Banquets were not merely social gatherings but often served as venues for political maneuvering, displays of power, and the granting of favors. The king's offer of "half of the kingdom" was a hyperbolic expression common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, signifying boundless generosity and a willingness to fulfill virtually any request, no matter how extravagant or difficult. This phrase is not meant to be taken literally as a division of territory but rather as an assurance of the king's maximum possible concession. Such a promise from a Persian king, whose word was considered law, was an extraordinary demonstration of favor and trust, placing immense power in Esther's hands.

* **Key Themes:** [Esther 7:2](/esther/7-2 "Esther 7:2 - The King's Grand Promise") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Esther. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Timing** are evident in Esther's strategic delay and the king's heightened receptiveness; her careful timing, though seemingly human, is clearly orchestrated by God for the salvation of His people, echoing the sentiment in [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - For Such a Time as This"). Secondly, the theme of **Royal Favor and Power** is paramount, as the king's repeated and expansive promise ("even to the half of the kingdom") highlights his immense authority and his extraordinary willingness to grant Esther's desire, reminiscent of other instances of royal generosity in the ancient world, such as Herod's promise to Salome in [Mark 6:23](/mark/6-23 "Mark 6:23 - Herod's Oath to Salome"). Lastly, the verse builds intense **Dramatic Tension**, with Haman present at the banquet, blissfully unaware that the queen's impending "petition" will be his undoing, setting the stage for a swift and unexpected reversal of fortune.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Petition (Hebrew, _she'elah'_):** This term refers to a request, a question, or a specific asking. In this context, it implies a formal and significant appeal. The king's use of this word underscores his expectation that Esther's upcoming revelation will be a matter of considerable importance, perhaps even a legal or political concern, rather than a trivial personal desire. It sets a serious tone for what is to follow.
* **Request (Hebrew, _baqqashah'_):** This word, often translated as supplication or entreaty, carries a connotation of earnestness and often implies a plea made with deep sincerity or urgency. The king's repetition of his offer using two distinct but related terms ("petition" and "request") emphasizes the breadth and earnestness of his commitment, signaling to Esther that he is prepared to hear and act upon whatever she asks, no matter how profound or challenging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine":** This opening clause establishes the precise setting and timing. The phrase "said again" highlights the king's persistence and eagerness, reiterating the offer he made at the first banquet. The "second day" emphasizes Esther's strategic patience, which has allowed the king's favor and curiosity to reach their peak, creating an optimal moment for her plea. The "banquet of wine" signifies a relaxed, intimate, and celebratory atmosphere, conducive to the king's generosity.
* **"What [is] thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? and it shall be performed":** This is the core of the king's extraordinary promise. The king's direct address, "queen Esther," acknowledges her royal status and the special favor she holds. The double inquiry ("What is thy petition... and what is thy request?") and the double assurance ("it shall be granted thee... and it shall be performed") underscore the king's sincerity, his boundless favor, and his absolute commitment to fulfilling her desire. This repetition builds dramatic tension, signaling that Esther's request is of utmost importance.
* **"[even] to the half of the kingdom":** This hyperbolic phrase is a common ancient Near Eastern idiom signifying the king's willingness to grant almost anything, short of abdicating his throne. It is a powerful expression of unlimited generosity and favor, indicating that no request, however grand or seemingly impossible, would be denied. This promise empowers Esther to make a request that directly challenges one of the king's most powerful officials, Haman, without fear of immediate reprisal for the audacity of her plea.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact. **Repetition** is prominently used, as the king reiterates his offer from the first banquet and employs two synonymous Hebrew terms for "petition" and "request." This not only emphasizes his earnestness but also builds suspense, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the impending revelation. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "even to the half of the kingdom," a common ancient Near Eastern expression that signifies boundless generosity rather than a literal division of territory. This exaggeration underscores the king's overwhelming favor towards Esther. Furthermore, **Dramatic Irony** permeates the scene, as Haman, a central figure at the banquet, is completely unaware that the queen's "petition" will be his undoing and the salvation of the very people he seeks to destroy. This creates a powerful sense of impending doom for Haman and heightens the reader's anticipation. Finally, the king's extravagant promise also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the equally extravagant and perilous nature of Esther's request, which will soon expose Haman's wicked plot.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 7:2 stands as a testament to the sovereign hand of God working behind the scenes, even in a book where His name is not explicitly mentioned. The king's extraordinary favor towards Esther, culminating in this open-ended promise, is a clear demonstration of divine providence. God uses human agents, their strategic actions, and even the seemingly capricious will of a pagan king to bring about His purposes of salvation for His people. This moment highlights that God can move the hearts of rulers and orchestrate circumstances to create opportune moments for His children to act with courage and faith. It reminds us that even when God seems hidden, He is actively involved in the details of history, preparing the way for His will to be done.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - For Such a Time as This")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 7:2 serves as a profound reminder of the power of preparation, courage, and divine timing. Esther's careful, prayerful, and strategic approach to her intercession, culminating in this moment of unparalleled favor, teaches us invaluable lessons about discerning and seizing opportune moments in our own lives. We are called to cultivate wisdom, patience, and courage, recognizing that God often prepares the way for us to act decisively in moments of crisis or opportunity. Like Esther, we may find ourselves in positions of influence or faced with circumstances that require us to speak truth to power, stand for justice, or advocate for the vulnerable. This verse encourages us to trust that when we step out in faith, guided by divine wisdom, God can move mountains and open doors, even "to the half of the kingdom," to accomplish His purposes through us. It challenges us to consider how we might leverage our own spheres of influence, however small, for God's glory and the good of others, always seeking His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Esther's strategic patience and careful timing in this narrative challenge my own tendencies toward impulsiveness or procrastination?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to exercise courage and make a "petition" or "request" that might seem daunting but is aligned with God's will?**
* **How does the king's boundless offer in this verse reflect God's own generosity and willingness to grant our petitions according to His perfect will?**
* **What "opportune moments" might God be preparing for me to act on behalf of justice, truth, or the needs of others in my community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why did Esther wait until the second banquet to make her request?**

Answer: Esther's delay was a strategic masterstroke, demonstrating remarkable wisdom and self-control. By inviting the king and Haman to a second banquet, she achieved several critical objectives. First, she further heightened the king's curiosity and anticipation, ensuring his full attention and maximum receptiveness to her eventual plea. His repeated offer in [Esther 7:2](/esther/7-2 "Esther 7:2 - The King's Grand Promise") confirms his eagerness. Second, it allowed Haman to become even more inflated with pride and complacency, as he believed he was uniquely favored by the queen, making his subsequent downfall all the more shocking and ironic. This delay also provided time for divine providence to work, as the king's sleepless night and the reading of the chronicles (detailed in [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - Mordecai's Honor")) occurred between the two banquets, setting the stage for Mordecai's honor and Haman's humiliation just before Esther's revelation.

**What does "even to the half of the kingdom" literally mean?**

Answer: The phrase "even to the half of the kingdom" (Hebrew: עַד חֲצִי הַמַּלְכוּת, _'ad chatzi hammalkhut_) is a common hyperbolic expression in ancient Near Eastern literature and is not meant to be taken literally as a division of territory or power. It signifies the king's extreme generosity and his willingness to grant almost any request, short of abdicating his throne. It is an idiom for boundless favor and an assurance that the king would spare no expense or effort to fulfill the petitioner's desire. Similar expressions appear in other ancient texts, including the biblical narrative of Herod's promise to Salome in [Mark 6:23](/mark/6-23 "Mark 6:23 - Herod's Oath to Salome"), illustrating its widespread use to convey ultimate favor.

**What is the significance of the "second day" banquet?**

Answer: The "second day" banquet is crucial for amplifying the dramatic tension and highlighting Esther's strategic brilliance. The initial delay at the first banquet (Esther 5:8) created a sense of heightened suspense for the king and the reader. The interval between the two banquets allowed for the pivotal events of [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - Mordecai's Honor") to unfold, where Mordecai's past service was recognized, and Haman was forced to honor his enemy. This sequence of events ensured that by the time Esther made her petition on the "second day," Haman was already humiliated and the king's sense of justice was piqued, making him even more receptive to Esther's accusations and the dramatic reversal of fortune that followed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 7:2, with its depiction of a king's boundless promise to his beloved queen, powerfully foreshadows the far greater and eternal favor extended to believers through Jesus Christ. Just as King Ahasuerus's offer of "half of the kingdom" signified his ultimate generosity, so too does God, our heavenly King, offer us infinitely more through His Son. Where Esther interceded for her people with a king whose power was limited and whose favor could be fickle, Christ is our ultimate Intercessor, standing eternally before the Father, making petitions on our behalf (as seen in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor") and [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). The king's promise to Esther, "it shall be granted thee," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where through Christ, we are invited to ask for anything in His name, and it will be given for God's glory ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name") and [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Bearing Fruit and Answered Prayer")). Moreover, the "half of the kingdom" pales in comparison to the spiritual kingdom and eternal inheritance that God has graciously bestowed upon us through Christ, delivering us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate "petition" granted, securing our salvation and granting us access to the very throne of grace with boldness ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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 5:6

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Esther 5:3

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Esther 9:12

And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what [is] thy request further? and it shall be done.