Esther 7:5

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 7:5 captures the dramatic and pivotal moment when King Ahasuerus, confronted by Queen Esther's courageous revelation, reacts with profound shock and indignant fury. This verse marks the immediate turning point in the narrative, as the king, previously unaware of the genocidal plot he had unwittingly sanctioned, demands to know the identity of the audacious individual who dared to conceive such a heinous act. This inquiry not only exposes Haman's audacious wickedness but also sets the stage for his swift and irreversible downfall, thereby securing the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from imminent annihilation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the emotional and narrative climax of the Book of Esther's rising action. It immediately follows Queen Esther's poignant and strategic plea in [Esther 7:4](/esther/7-4 "Esther 7:4 - Esther's Plea for Her Life and People"), where she reveals that she and her people have been "sold to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." The king's stunned questions in [Esther 7:5](/esther/7-5 "Esther 7:5 - The King's Fury") are a direct, visceral response to this horrifying disclosure, indicating his complete ignorance of the true implications of the decree he had signed. This moment pivots the entire story from the escalating tension of Haman's plot and Esther's calculated delays to the swift and decisive judgment that is about to fall upon the antagonist. It meticulously sets the stage for Haman's desperate, futile pleas and the king's ultimate command for his execution, fulfilling the narrative arc of dramatic reversal and divine justice. The subsequent verses ([Esther 7:6-10](/esther/7-6-10 "Esther 7:6-10 - Haman's Exposure and Execution")) detail Haman's immediate exposure and execution, demonstrating the rapid consequences of the king's newfound understanding.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Esther are set within the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, widely identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BC), with its magnificent capital at Susa. Royal banquets, like the two hosted by Esther, were not merely social gatherings but significant cultural and political events, often serving as venues for displays of imperial power, political maneuvering, and the exercise of royal authority. The Persian monarchy was characterized by the king's absolute power; his word was law, and decrees, once issued and sealed with the royal signet ring, were considered irrevocable, even by the king himself ([Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The Irrevocable Law of the Medes and Persians")). This cultural context profoundly underscores the immense risk Esther took by approaching the king unsummoned ([Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The Law Against Approaching the King Unsummoned")) and by revealing the plot against her people. It also highlights the king's personal indignation and sense of betrayal when his authority is undermined or his trust violated, especially when the threat directly involves his own queen, as Haman's plot implicitly did.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 7:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Esther. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, wherein God's unseen hand orchestrates events to protect His people, even when He is not explicitly named. The king's sudden, furious realization is a direct outworking of a divinely guided sequence of events, demonstrating that God works through human agents and circumstances to achieve His purposes. The verse also underscores **Justice and Retribution**, as Haman's meticulously planned evil is now brought to light, signaling the imminent reversal of his fortunes and the just consequences for his wickedness, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit") where the wicked fall into the pit they dug. Furthermore, it highlights the **Power of Advocacy and Courage**, exemplified by Esther's strategic timing and bold revelation, which ultimately secures deliverance for her people. Finally, the king's outrage against the audacity of the plotter reinforces the theme of the **Consequences of Arrogance and Hubris**, as Haman's excessive pride and hatred, which led him to devise the genocidal decree, now lead directly to his dramatic downfall, fulfilling the proverb that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say (used with great latitude)." In this context, "answered" signifies more than a simple reply; it conveys a response born of profound shock, disbelief, and escalating anger. The king's words are not a calm inquiry but an outburst, a demand for immediate information driven by a sudden, horrifying realization. This verb captures the intensity and immediacy of his emotional reaction to Esther's revelation, indicating a shift from passive ignorance to active, furious engagement.
* **presume (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, a primitive root meaning "to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)." In Esther 7:5, the KJV "durst presume" translates a form of this verb, carrying a strong connotation of audacious, insolent, or arrogant daring. It signifies not merely a willingness to "dare," but an impudent boldness, a contemptuous audacity that challenges authority and disregards propriety. The king's use of this word expresses his profound outrage that someone would be so presumptuous as to be "full of" the audacity to conceive and execute such a wicked act, particularly one that directly impacts his queen and indirectly threatens the stability of his kingdom.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, referring to "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." The phrase "in his heart" emphasizes the internal, premeditated nature of the evil. It refers to the seat of thought, intention, and will. The king is not merely asking who committed an act, but who conceived it, planned it, and harbored such malicious intent deep within their being. This highlights the king's understanding that the plot was not a rash impulse but a deeply rooted, calculated wickedness, making the perpetrator's crime all the more heinous and personally offensive to the king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen,"**: This opening clause signifies the immediate, visceral, and direct reaction of the king to Esther's shocking revelation. The use of "answered" indicates a response born of profound shock and disbelief, signaling a dramatic shift in the king's awareness. Addressing Esther specifically as "the queen" underscores her royal status and the deeply personal nature of the threat, amplifying the king's indignation that someone would dare to endanger his beloved consort and, by extension, his own household and authority.
* **"Who is he, and where is he,"**: These are two rhetorical questions, not posed to elicit new information from Esther (as she is about to reveal the identity), but rather to express the king's escalating fury, bewilderment, and demand for immediate identification and apprehension. The "who" seeks the identity of the individual, while the "where" implies an immediate call for his presence, or rather, his swift removal and judgment. The repetition of these questions emphasizes the king's utter astonishment and rage, highlighting the audacity of the crime and his desire for swift justice.
* **"that durst presume in his heart to do so?"**: This final clause encapsulates the king's profound indignation at the audacious and premeditated nature of the crime. "Durst presume" conveys the insolent daring and contempt for royal authority inherent in the plot, while "in his heart" points to the malicious intent and calculated planning behind the genocidal scheme. The king is not just angry at the act itself, but at the sheer arrogance, evil intent, and internal wickedness of the one who dared to conceive and execute such a devastating plan, especially one that touched his own family.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 7:5 is rich in literary devices that heighten the drama and impact of the narrative. **Dramatic Irony** is paramount, as the audience has known Haman's identity and wicked intentions throughout the story, while the king remains oblivious until this precise moment. His furious questions highlight this gap in knowledge, making his eventual realization all the more impactful and satisfying for the reader. The king's questions themselves are powerful **Rhetorical Questions**, not posed to elicit new information but to express his overwhelming outrage, disbelief, and demand for immediate action and identification. This verse serves as the **Climax** of the narrative's rising action, marking the pivotal turning point where the tables are decisively turned on Haman. The king's intense reaction and demand for identification also serve as potent **Foreshadowing**, signaling Haman's imminent and irreversible downfall, which quickly follows in the subsequent verses, providing a sense of impending justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 7:5 stands as a powerful testament to the principle that hidden wickedness, no matter how cunningly concealed, will ultimately be exposed and judged. While the divine name is notably absent from the Book of Esther, God's providential hand is undeniably at work, meticulously orchestrating events to bring Haman's evil scheme to light at the precise moment of maximum impact. The king's righteous indignation, though human, mirrors a divine principle of justice, demonstrating that those who plot evil often fall into the very snare they set for others. This moment of revelation underscores the sovereignty of God, who, even in seemingly secular circumstances and through human agency, works behind the scenes to deliver His people and bring about righteousness. It reminds us that no secret plot, malicious intent, or arrogant presumption can ultimately escape the scrutiny of divine oversight, and that the proud and arrogant will eventually face the just consequences of their actions.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Dig a Pit for Themselves")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 7:5 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even when God seems silent or His presence hidden, His providential hand is actively at work, orchestrating circumstances and moving hearts to bring about His sovereign purposes. This truth should instill in us a deep and abiding trust in His timing and His ultimate justice, even in the face of overwhelming evil, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. The courageous example of Queen Esther, who dared to speak truth to power and risk her own life for the sake of her people, serves as a powerful model for us. We are called to cultivate a similar boldness to advocate for the vulnerable, to speak against oppression, and to stand for righteousness, even when it is difficult, dangerous, or unpopular. Furthermore, the king's outrage at the one who "durst presume in his heart to do so" serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of pride, hatred, and malicious plotting. Such attitudes, though they may fester hidden in the heart, inevitably lead to self-destruction and expose the perpetrator to righteous judgment. We are therefore called to diligently examine our own hearts, ensuring that we harbor no such presumptuous evil, and instead to actively cultivate lives characterized by humility, compassion, justice, and unwavering love for God and neighbor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Esther's courage in this pivotal moment challenge me to speak up against injustice or advocate for others in my own sphere of influence, even when it involves personal risk?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "presume in my heart" against God's will or against others, and what are the potential spiritual and relational consequences of harboring such internal attitudes?**
* **How does the narrative of Esther 7:5 strengthen my faith in God's unseen providence, assuring me that He is actively working behind the scenes even when circumstances seem dire or when evil appears to triumph?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that seeks justice and righteousness, actively rooting out any tendencies towards malice, pride, or self-serving ambition?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Ahasuerus so shocked by Esther's revelation?**

Answer: King Ahasuerus was genuinely shocked because Haman had cunningly deceived him through a masterful manipulation of facts. Haman presented his genocidal decree as a matter of state security and revenue, targeting a "certain people" who were "scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws" ([Esther 3:8](/esther/3-8 "Esther 3:8 - Haman's Deceptive Accusation")). The king, trusting Haman and perhaps not fully grasping the scope of the decree, signed it without realizing that it targeted the Jewish people, and crucially, that his own beloved queen, Esther, was Jewish. His profound shock in [Esther 7:5](/esther/7-5 "Esther 7:5 - The King's Fury") stems from the sudden, horrifying realization that he had unwittingly authorized the annihilation of his own queen and her entire ethnic group. This was not only a direct affront to his authority and a profound betrayal of his trust, but a deeply personal threat to his own household, igniting his immediate and furious indignation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 7:5, with King Ahasuerus's furious demand for the identity of the one who "durst presume in his heart to do so," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate confrontation with evil accomplished through Jesus Christ. Haman's audacious plot to destroy God's chosen people finds its ultimate parallel in Satan's ceaseless attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan and enslave humanity under the dominion of sin and death. Just as Esther, at great personal risk, interceded for her people before the earthly king, Jesus Christ, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), willingly laid down His life on the cross to advocate for us, His people, before the heavenly Father. The king's righteous indignation against Haman's presumptuous evil points to God's ultimate and perfect judgment against all unrighteousness and sin, which was decisively revealed and enacted through Christ's atoning death and triumphant resurrection. Through His sacrifice, Jesus exposed and decisively defeated the true adversary, the [ruler of this world](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of this World's Ruler"), and secured eternal deliverance for all who believe, a salvation far greater and more encompassing than the physical deliverance of the Jews from Haman's decree. The King of kings, Jesus, is the one who ultimately exposes and triumphs over every presumptuous evil, ensuring that [death is swallowed up in victory](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Victory Over Death") and that His people are eternally secure.

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

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.