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Esther 5

14 verses

TL;DR

Esther summons King Ahasuerus and Haman to a banquet, prompting Haman’s fury over Mordecai and leading to a plot to hang him.

Summary

In Esther 5, the queen arranges a banquet for the king and Haman, hoping to secure favor and protect her people. Haman, furious that he was denied entry while Mordecai remained silent at the gate, becomes resentful of the Jew’s position. He returns home with his wife Zeresh and friends, who devise a scheme to build a gallows and have Mordecai hanged. The chapter sets the stage for the escalating conflict between Haman and the Jews, highlighting political intrigue and personal vendettas. Esther’s bold request and Haman’s malicious intent contrast sharply, foreshadowing the perilous events that will soon unfold.

Outline
  1. Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet to gain favor.
  2. Haman’s anger at Mordecai’s silence sparks a conspiracy to kill him.
  3. Zeresh proposes building a gallows, and Haman orders its construction.
Themes
Political power and intrigueHospitality and its political implicationsConflict and vengeance
Keywords
EstherHamanMordecaibanquetgallowsroyal sceptreking
People
EstherKing AhasuerusHamanMordecaiZereshHaman’s friends
Places
royal courtinner courtking's housegate
Things
golden sceptrebanquetgallowshalf of the kingdom
Key Verses
  • Esther 5:4: Esther’s request to host the king and Haman shows her daring and strategy.
  • Esther 5:9: Haman’s reaction to Mordecai sets the conflict in motion.
  • Esther 5:14: Zeresh’s proposal and Haman’s approval initiate the plot against Mordecai.
Questions
  • Why did Esther choose a banquet as her strategy, and what risks did it entail?
  • What does Haman’s reaction to Mordecai reveal about his character?
  • How does the theme of hospitality play into the political dynamics of the Persian court?
Sentiment

negative
The chapter is charged with tension and looming violence.