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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/esther/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/esther/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220If it pleases the king,&#8221 replied Esther, &#8220let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And Esther replied, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for the king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Esther answered, If <i>it seem</i> good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Esther said, &#8220If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Esther said, “If it please the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Esther said, “If it <i>seems</i> good to the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the feast that I have prepared for him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If it pleases the king,&#8221 Esther replied, &#8220may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/esther/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Esther answered, "Your Majesty, please come with Haman to a dinner I will prepare for you later today." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Esther answered, "If it pleases you, Your Majesty, come today with Haman to a dinner I have prepared for you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Esther replied, "If it please Your Majesty, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tonight at a banquet I am preparing for you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Esther replied, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I've prepared for him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?If it pleases the king,? Esther replied, ?may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Esther replied, "If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Esther said, "If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Esther answered, If it shall seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Esther says, “If to the king [it be] good, the king comes in, and Haman, today, to the banquet that I have made for him”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Esther saith, 'If unto the king it be good, the king doth come in, and Haman, to-day, unto the banquet that I have made for him;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Esther will say, If good to the king, will the king come, and Haman, this day, to the drinking which I made for him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But she answered: If it please the king. I beseech thee to come to me this day, and Aman with thee to the banquet which I have prepared. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 9:20>But she responded, “If it pleases the king, I beg you to come with me today, and Haman with you, to the feast that I have prepared.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Esther replied, “If it please your majesty, come today with Haman to a banquet I have prepared.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet that I have prepared for the king.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Esther answered, If it please the king, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I have pre pared for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Esthir said: “If it is good unto the King, let the King and Haman come to the banquet that I have made for him.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Esther said: 'If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Esther said, To-day is my great day: if then it seem good to the king, let both him and Aman come to the feast which I will prepare this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/5-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=1018" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/esther/5.htm">Esther Goes Before the King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">it pleases</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/635.htm" title="635: ’es·têr (N-proper-fs) -- Star, Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Isr. Of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine.">Esther</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">“may the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/2001.htm" title="2001: wə·hā·mān (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Haman -- to rage, be turbulent. Of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier.">and Haman</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: ham·miš·teh (Art:: N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">the banquet</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I have prepared</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for the king.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>“Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/7-1.htm">Esther 7:1-2</a></span><br />So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, / and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3-5</a></span><br />In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. / And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. / At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/2-18.htm">Esther 2:18</a></span><br />Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></span><br />The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/6-14.htm">Esther 6:14</a></span><br />While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/7-7.htm">Esther 7:7-8</a></span><br />In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. / Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17</a></span><br />In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/9-17.htm">Esther 9:17-18</a></span><br />This was done on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasting and joy. / The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Genesis 40:20</a></span><br />On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-15.htm">1 Kings 3:15</a></span><br />Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-5.htm">1 Kings 10:5</a></span><br />the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">2 Kings 6:23</a></span><br />So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1</a></span><br />Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Matthew 22:2-4</a></span><br />“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-10</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Esther answered, If it seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.</p><p class="hdg">If it seem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Esther 5:8</a></b></br> If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></b></br> A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise <i>man</i> keepeth it in till afterwards.</p><p class="hdg">the banquet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Esther 5:8</a></b></br> If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></b></br> The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-25.htm">Genesis 27:25</a></b></br> And he said, Bring <i>it</i> near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought <i>it</i> near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/1-9.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/genesis/43-16.htm">Dinner</a> <a href="/esther/5-3.htm">Esther</a> <a href="/esther/2-18.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-5.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/esther/3-14.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-32.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/esther/1-18.htm">Today</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Dinner</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Esther</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/esther/8-5.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/esther/9-13.htm">Today</a> <a href="/job/23-2.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/esther/5-10.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-4.htm">and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-6.htm">She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-9.htm">Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-14.htm">By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If it pleases the king,</b><br>Esther approaches the king with humility and respect, a common practice in ancient royal courts. This phrase indicates her awareness of the king's authority and her tactful approach to gain his favor. In the context of the Persian Empire, where the king's word was law, such deference was crucial. This approach is reminiscent of Nehemiah's respectful request to King Artaxerxes (<a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Nehemiah 2:5</a>).<p><b>Esther replied,</b><br>Esther's response is strategic and carefully planned. Her reply is part of a larger narrative where she must navigate the dangerous political landscape of the Persian court. Esther's wisdom and courage are highlighted here, as she takes a proactive role in addressing the threat to her people. Her actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who also intercedes on behalf of His people.<p><b>may the king and Haman come today</b><br>By inviting both the king and Haman, Esther sets the stage for revealing Haman's plot against the Jews. This invitation is significant because it includes Haman, the antagonist, in a setting where he is unaware of Esther's true intentions. The urgency of "today" suggests the pressing nature of her request, reflecting the immediate danger faced by the Jewish people.<p><b>to the banquet I have prepared for the king.</b><br>Banquets were significant social and political events in ancient Persia, often used to discuss important matters. Esther's preparation of the banquet demonstrates her initiative and resourcefulness. The setting of a banquet is reminiscent of other biblical feasts, such as the wedding feast in <a href="/matthew/22.htm">Matthew 22:1-14</a>, symbolizing a place of revelation and decision. Esther's role as a mediator at this banquet prefigures Christ's role as the mediator of the New Covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a></b><br>A Jewish queen of Persia, known for her courage and wisdom. She is the central figure in the Book of Esther, and her actions are pivotal in saving her people from destruction.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a></b><br>The Persian king who is Esther's husband. He is depicted as a powerful yet somewhat capricious ruler.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a></b><br>The antagonist in the Book of Esther, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plots to annihilate the Jewish people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_banquet.htm">The Banquet</a></b><br>A strategic event organized by Esther to reveal her petition to the king and to expose Haman's plot against the Jews.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_persian_empire.htm">The Persian Empire</a></b><br>The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast and diverse empire where the events unfold.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_timing.htm">Wisdom in Timing</a></b><br>Esther demonstrates the importance of choosing the right moment to make a request. Believers should seek God's guidance for the right timing in their own decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_and_faith.htm">Courage and Faith</a></b><br>Esther's approach to the king required great courage and faith. Christians are encouraged to trust God and act boldly when standing for righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning.htm">Strategic Planning</a></b><br>Esther's preparation of the banquet shows the value of planning and strategy in achieving goals. Believers can learn to be intentional and thoughtful in their actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_advocacy.htm">Intercession and Advocacy</a></b><br>Esther's role as an intercessor for her people is a powerful example of advocacy. Christians are called to intercede for others in prayer and action.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The unfolding events in Esther's account remind believers of God's control over circumstances, encouraging trust in His divine plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_aren't_esther's_banquets_in_records.htm">Esther 5:4–8 – Why are these banquets and intrigues not mentioned in any historical or archaeological records of Persia? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_esther_5_omit_god's_mention.htm">Esther 5 - Why does this chapter, like the rest of the book, omit any direct mention of God, leaving room for skepticism about its religious significance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_challenges_did_esther_face.htm">What challenges did Esther face in her life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_king_ahasuerus_leave_in_anger.htm">Esther 7:7 - Why would King Ahasuerus suddenly abandon the feast in anger without prior indications of Haman's treachery in earlier records of Persian court life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet.</span>--It was natural enough that, with so much depending on her request, the queen should show some hesitation: if anything took an untoward turn (for, in spite of the king's promise, she evidently felt uneasy) it might mean total ruin. She therefore temporises; she at any rate gains time, she secures a specially favourable opportunity for bringing forward the request, and the king clearly sees that she has kept her real petition in reserve by himself again raising the question. It will be noticed that so long as Esther is working her way up to the due vantage-ground, the king is addressed in the third person, let the king come," but when she makes the decisive appeal, in the second, "in thy sight, O king."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that l have prepared.</span> Such an invitation as this was very unusual. Ordinarily the king and queen dined separately, each in their own apartments; family gatherings, however, not being unknown (Plut., 'Vit. Artaxerx.,' § 5; Athen., 'Deipnsoph.,' 4. p. 145, A). But for the queen to invite not only the king, but also another male guest, not a relation, was a remarkable innovation, and must have seemed to the fortunate recipient of the invitation a high act of favour. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/5-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it pleases</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esther</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶסְתֵּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(’es·têr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_635.htm">Strong's 635: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“may the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Haman</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָמָן֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·mān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2001.htm">Strong's 2001: </a> </span><span class="str2">Haman -- to rage, be turbulent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">come</span><br /><span class="heb">יָב֨וֹא</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">today</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּ֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the banquet</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·teh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have prepared</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֥יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for [the king].”</span><br /><span class="heb">לֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/5-4.htm">Esther 5:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/5-4.htm">OT History: Esther 5:4 Esther said If it seems good (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/5-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 5:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 5:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/5-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 5:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 5:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>