Esther 7:5

Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

Then the king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325} answered {H559} and said {H559} unto Esther {H635} the queen {H4436}, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume {H4390} in his heart {H3820} to do {H6213} so?

King Achashverosh asked Ester the queen, "Who is he? Where is the man who dared to do such a thing?"

Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”

Then spake the king Ahasuerus and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

In Esther 7:5, King Ahasuerus reacts with stunned indignation and fierce anger as Queen Esther reveals the identity of the person plotting to destroy her and her people. This pivotal moment marks the turning point in the dramatic narrative of the Book of Esther, bringing Haman's wicked schemes to light.

Context of Esther 7:5

This verse occurs during the second of two banquets Esther hosted for King Ahasuerus and Haman. Having earned the king's favor, Esther chooses this precise moment to expose Haman's genocidal plot. Until this point, the king was unaware that the decree Haman had tricked him into signing would lead to the annihilation of his own queen's people. Esther's revelation in Esther 7:4 directly precedes the king's furious question here, highlighting his shock and the immediate threat to his beloved queen.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Providence: While God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His unseen hand is evident throughout. This verse shows the moment God's plan for deliverance culminates, turning the tables on the oppressor.
  • Justice and Retribution: The king's immediate demand for the identity of the perpetrator signals the swift and decisive justice that is about to fall upon Haman. It underscores the biblical principle that the wicked often fall into the very pit they dig for others (Psalm 7:15).
  • The Power of Advocacy: Esther's courage to speak up, risking her own life for her people, is central. Her strategic timing and bold revelation are instrumental in securing their deliverance.
  • Consequences of Arrogance: Haman, filled with pride and hatred, had meticulously planned the destruction of the Jews. This verse marks the beginning of his dramatic downfall, a direct result of his own hubris and malice.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "durst presume in his heart to do so" translates the Hebrew verb יָהַב (yahav), which here carries the strong connotation of audacious, insolent, or arrogant daring. It's not merely a question of who would dare, but who would be so presumptuous and contemptuous of royal authority and human life to conceive such a wicked act. The king's emphasis on "in his heart" suggests not just the outward act, but the evil intent and malicious planning behind it.

Practical Application

Esther 7:5 reminds us that hidden wickedness will eventually be exposed. It encourages believers to speak truth to power, even when it is difficult or dangerous, trusting in God's perfect timing and ultimate justice. The verse also serves as a powerful warning against pride, hatred, and plotting evil, demonstrating that such actions invariably lead to self-destruction. In times of oppression or injustice, this narrative offers hope that divine providence is at work, orchestrating events to bring about deliverance and righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 5:3

    But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?

  • Job 9:24

    The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, [and] who [is] he?

  • Genesis 27:33

    And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where [is] he that hath taken venison, and brought [it] me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, [and] he shall be blessed.

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