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Esther 7

10 verses

TL;DR

King Ahasuerus confronts Haman at a banquet after Queen Esther’s daring plea, leading to Haman’s execution on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

Summary

At a lavish banquet, King Ahasuerus invites Haman and Esther to plead for favors. Esther boldly requests that her life and her people’s lives be spared from annihilation. The king, surprised and alarmed, asks who has dared to ask for such a favor. Esther reveals Haman as the threat. Haman, fearing the king’s wrath, tries to plead with Esther for his life. The king, enraged, orders Haman’s execution on the very gallows Haman had erected for Mordecai. The king’s anger subsides as Haman is hanged, securing Esther’s people’s safety.

Outline
  1. Banquet and Esther’s request
  2. Esther exposes Haman as the danger
  3. King orders Haman’s hanging
Themes
justice against tyrannycourage in standing up for the oppressedthe use of power for righteous ends
Keywords
Queen EstherKing AhasuerusHamanMordecaiGallowsBanquetPetitionJustice
People
EstherAhasuerusHamanMordecaiHarbonah
Places
palace gardenbanquet hallhouse of Haman
Things
gallowsbanquet of winepetitionroyal decree
Key Verses
  • Esther 7:4: Esther’s courageous plea to save her people
  • Esther 7:9: The king’s decisive action to execute Haman
Questions
  • What does Esther’s boldness reveal about faith and agency?
  • How does the king’s reaction reflect the responsibilities of a ruler?
  • What is the significance of executing Haman on the gallows he built for Mordecai?
  • In what ways does this narrative illustrate divine intervention in human affairs?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains tension and violence but ends with a sense of deliverance and justice.