1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
8 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.
9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
The fifth chapter of the Book of Esther in the KJV Holy Bible continues the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and uses her position to save her people from destruction. This chapter focuses on Esther's bravery and strategic thinking as she risks her life to approach the king and plead for the salvation of her people.
The chapter begins with Esther preparing to approach the king, despite the law that anyone who enters the king's inner court without being summoned could be put to death. This law was put in place by King Ahasuerus, who was easily influenced by his advisor, Haman, who had a personal vendetta against the Jews. Esther's husband, King Ahasuerus, was unaware of her Jewish heritage and had no idea that his queen was in danger.
Esther's bravery is evident in this chapter as she risks her life to approach the king and plead for her people. She puts her trust in God and knows that she must do everything in her power to save her people, even if it means risking her own life. This act of bravery is a testament to Esther's faith and her strong character.
Esther's bravery is also seen in her approach to the king. She does not rush into the throne room, but instead takes the time to prepare herself and seek God's guidance. She fasts for three days and asks her people to do the same, showing her dedication to God and her people.
Esther's strategic thinking is also highlighted in this chapter. She knows that she cannot simply approach the king and ask for his help. Instead, she plans a strategic approach that will not only save her people but also reveal the true intentions of Haman.
Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet, where she plans to reveal her true identity and plead for her people. By inviting Haman, she also exposes his true intentions and his plot to destroy the Jews. This strategic move not only saves her people but also exposes the evil plans of Haman.
As Esther approaches the king, she finds favor in his eyes. This is a significant moment as it shows that God is working behind the scenes to protect His people. The king not only allows Esther to approach him but also offers to grant her request, even before she reveals her true intentions.
This favor from the king is a clear indication of God's hand in the situation. It also shows the power of prayer and fasting, as Esther and her people had been fasting and praying for three days before she approached the king.
As Esther reveals her true identity and pleads for her people, the king is enraged by Haman's plot to destroy the Jews. Haman is exposed as the enemy of the Jews and the king orders for him to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, Esther's cousin and one of the king's advisors.
This turn of events is a clear example of God's justice and how He works in mysterious ways to protect His people. Haman's downfall also serves as a warning to those who plot against God's chosen people.
The fifth chapter of the Book of Esther holds several important lessons for readers. It teaches us about the power of faith and bravery in the face of danger. Esther's unwavering faith in God and her bravery to risk her life for her people serve as an inspiration for all believers.
This chapter also highlights the importance of strategic thinking and seeking God's guidance in difficult situations. Esther's careful planning and reliance on God's guidance ultimately lead to the salvation of her people and the downfall of their enemy.
Furthermore, the chapter also emphasizes the power of prayer and fasting. Esther and her people's fasting and prayers played a crucial role in gaining God's favor and protection. This serves as a reminder for believers to always seek God's guidance and protection through prayer and fasting.
The downfall of Haman also serves as a reminder of God's justice and protection for His people. It shows that no matter how powerful the enemy may seem, God is always in control and will bring justice to those who plot against His people.
In conclusion, the fifth chapter of the Book of Esther in the KJV Holy Bible is a powerful and inspiring chapter that teaches us about faith, bravery, strategic thinking, and the power of prayer and fasting. It also serves as a reminder of God's justice and protection for His people. The story of Esther continues to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for believers, reminding us that with God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle and triumph over our enemies.
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