Esther 5:1-8

Relax, Read and Reflect

Prayer- Lord, Open our hearts and open our minds and help us learn. Go-Fight-Win. Amen

Esther’s Request to the King



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. 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: 8 If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”


  Esther takes a risk. She appears before the king to invite him, (and Hamam) to a dinner. Luckily, (or as God willed,) the king gladly accepted.
  The king even asks what Esther wants, and whatever it is- it will be granted. Esther invites them both to supper tomorrow and she will ask her favor then.

Questions:
1. Why would Esther wait a day?
2. What is Hamam thinking now?
3. How is God at work in this story?

Prayer- Lord, give us patience so we can see the big picture. Once we see it, give us the strength to act. Go-Fight-Win. Amen.