June 29, 2024

On the third day, after the prayer and fasting, Esther adorned her royal garments and went to the king. According to Flavius Josephus, Esther had two maids to accompany her, one to lean on and one to help carry her train. As she approached the king and saw his unpleasant expression and the sparkle of his royal garments making him look more fierce, she fainted, and the king rushed off the throne and took her in his arms to help her recover. His countenance changed to love, and he told her she was not included in that law. However, he reached out his scepter, and she touched the top of it. Then the king asked what she petitioned, offering her half his kingdom, but she held off requesting by inviting him and Haman to her royal apartment for wine. The king sent for Haman, telling him to hurry because Esther had invited them for wine. Then, she requested their presence at the banquet that she would prepare tomorrow. 

Haman then headed out the king's gate, and upon seeing Mordecai and him not bowing or acknowledging him, he became fiercely angry. Still, he refrained from acting on his anger because he wanted him to be taken out with the other Israelites. However, while gloating over his wealth to his family and friends and feeling honored at the request of the queen for his presence at a banquet, they encouraged him to build the gallows and request the king to take him out early so he could enjoy his time with the king and queen without fretting over Mordecai. 

Jesus, unlike the harsh King Artaxerxes, always shows us His favorable countenance. We can approach His throne with confidence, knowing that His loving heart will console us and help us recover from our fears. Just as God softened the king's heart towards Esther, we can see her bravery as a powerful example of what God will do when He calls us to serve Him on behalf of His people. Esther's courage should inspire us to be brave, for Jesus has called us to serve Him by introducing others to His love and encouraging them to accept His gift of salvation. 

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. Esther 5:8