1. Esther’s Bold Approach to the King (5:1-2) – On the third day of fasting, Esther dresses in her royal robes and courageously approaches King Xerxes in the inner court. The king, pleased to see her, extends his golden scepter, signaling his favor and allowing her to speak.

2. Esther’s Invitation to the Banquet (5:3-5) – Xerxes asks Esther what she desires, even offering up to half his kingdom. Instead of making her request immediately, she invites the king and Haman to a banquet she has prepared. The king agrees, and Haman is invited.

3. First Banquet and a Second Invitation (5:6-8) – At the banquet, the king again asks Esther what she wants. She postpones her request again, inviting the king and Haman to another banquet the next day, where she promises to reveal her petition.

4. Haman’s Pride and Hatred (5:9-13) – Haman leaves the banquet feeling proud and honored by Esther’s invitation. However, his joy turns to rage when he sees Mordecai at the palace gate, still refusing to bow to him. He complains to his wife, Zeresh, and his friends about Mordecai’s defiance.

5. Haman’s Plot to Kill Mordecai (5:14) – At the suggestion of his wife and friends, Haman decides to build a 75-foot gallows and requests the king’s permission to execute Mordecai the next morning. He is pleased with this plan and has the gallows constructed.

Life Applications from Esther 5

1. Courage and Wisdom in Facing Challenges (5:1-2)

• Esther approached the king with courage but also with wisdom, waiting until the right time after fasting and prayer.

• Application: When facing difficult situations, we should seek God’s guidance, prepare wisely, and trust Him for the right opportunity.

2. Patience and Strategy in Seeking Favor (5:3-8)

• Instead of making her request immediately, Esther carefully set the stage, showing discernment and patience.

• Application: Timing matters when making requests or addressing difficult matters. Instead of rushing, we should be strategic and prayerful.

3. Pride and Arrogance Lead to Destruction (5:9-13)

• Haman’s pride blinded him to everything good in his life because of his hatred for Mordecai. His obsession with power and recognition led him toward his downfall.

• Application: Pride and bitterness can consume us if we allow them. We must guard our hearts against resentment and focus on gratitude rather than offense.

4. Seeking Counsel Can Shape Our Path—For Better or Worse (5:14)

• Haman listened to advice from the wrong people, which led him further into evil.

• Application: The people we surround ourselves with influence our decisions. We should seek wise and godly counsel rather than voices that fuel anger or pride.

5. God is Always at Work Behind the Scenes

• Though God’s name isn’t mentioned in Esther 5, His hand is evident in Esther’s favor and the unfolding events.

• Application: Even when we don’t see immediate results, God is working behind the scenes. We can trust Him to align circumstances for His purposes.

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