[Chapter 5]

In the previous chapter we see in the end that Esther is called upon by Mordecai to risk her life for her people. In V.16 we see in order to prepare her for this great task for saving her people she fasts and prays to call upon her God to give her the strength to face the king.

1. Temptation of Glory

Esther 5:1-5
1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.
2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
3 Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."
4 "If it pleases the king," replied Esther, "let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him."
5 "Bring Haman at once," the king said, "so that we may do what Esther asks." So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.

In Chapter 5, the story and the result unfolds dramatically. In Vs.1-2 Esther approaches the king with courage and beauty, in those days approaching the king meant risk of death, but Esther trusted God and as always the case might be God worked through the king. In Vs.3 the king was pleased with her and was willing to grant her request even up to half the kingdom. What temptation of glory, wealth and position?!!! But Esther was spiritually focused and knew what she really wanted.

Today Brothers and sisters would you be willing to risk your life for the kingdom? Right now where is your focus towards? Is it making money? Marriage? Education? What would you have done if you were in Esther's place? As we will be seeing in the next chapter, Haman was a thorn in her flesh, the only way out was to remove him from his role, but this wasn't east because he too like Esther had the favor of the king. In Vs.4-5 we see Esther completely was in control of her emotions, she didn't ask immediately for Haman's destruction, but asked to bring Haman for the party she had arranged for.

2. Temptation of Emotions

Esther 5:6-7
6 As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted."
7 Esther replied, "My petition and my request is this:

In Vs. 6, the king once again grants her another wish, but once again with courtesy she invites the king along with Haman to her banquet. What can we learn from this example? Esther was in control of her feelings, she wasn't in a hurry, and she neither was impatient and quick to make a hasty decision. Do you let your emotions control you? Do you think before making a decision or are you hasty and later regret it?

In Vs.9 till the end of the chapter we see Haman boasts about his achievements. His proud heart gets the better of him. All that he's on is to put Mordecai to death. What a contrast between Esther and Haman. Esther being spiritual and filled with Humility and Haman proud and sinful. The story takes a dramatic turn in the next chapter but before we move there let's make a decision to be godly and focused on the kingdom as Esther was.