Esther 4-5, Haman’s Hatred of the Jews

(We are continuing Esther 3, Haman’s decree against the Jews.)

·       3:8: There is no evidence in history that Haman’s charge against the Jews was true.  It was not true that the king was supposed to get rid of them.  Those nations against the Jews were always punished.

·       3:9: Haman would get the money from the Jew’s possessions.

·       3:10: Ahasuerus was quick to do what one man Haman wanted rather than hear from his counselors upon this matter.

·       3:15: The decree was given, and the city of Shushan was perplexed.  But Ahasuerus and Haman were drinking and having a good time.  The threat against the Jews was of great concern to all the people.

Esther 4: Esther agrees to help her people.

·       4:4: Esther was informed of the decree concerning the Jewish people.

·       4:5: Then she finds out more about it.

·       4:6: Hatach went out to get more info from Mordecai.

·       4:5-9: The queen’s way of communicating was through messengers.

·       4:11: Esther was afraid to go before the king because she had not been called for 30 days.  She could face death.

·       4:14: Mordecai knew that Esther was placed in her position by God to deliver the people of Israel (God was not mentioned but His presence is evident).

·       4:16-17: Esther was willing to pay the price if necessary.  She was neither a coward nor a pessimist.  She displayed extreme courage.

Esther 5: Esther’s feast.

·       5:1: The royalty of the scene and occasion are emphasized.  The king is holding court, on his throne.  Esther is dressed as the queen to impress him.

·       5:2: He is impressed and extends the scepter and she is received.

·       5:3: Three times King Ahasuerus offers Esther half of his kingdom.

·       5:4: Esther requests the privilege of giving a banquet for the king and Haman.  Note: 1) She could not expose Haman in front of all the important people of the court.  2) She wanted to get the king in a good mood (i.e. by wining and dining).  3) Esther wanted to get the king and Haman alone so that Haman couldn’t influence the king’s decision.  This all shows Esther’s great wisdom.

·       5:6-8: The king again offers half the kingdom; she invites him to a banquet again.  She was trying to impress him again by putting the request off till the next day.

·       5:9: Haman is very pleased with himself at being favored by the king and queen.

·       5:11-12: He bragged about his great possessions and his position.