Study notes

Esther 5

Introducing EstherWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

5:1–8:2 Section

Esther made a wise and clever plan to stop Haman’s orders. She didn’t tell Xerxes right away what she wanted. She invited Xerxes and Haman to two banquets. This made Haman feel proud and special.

He boasted to his wife and friends about being favoured by Xerxes and Esther. This made him bold. He made a plan to kill Mordecai right away. He didn’t want to wait until the 12th month.

But Haman was an example of what Proverbs 11:27 described. Bad things happened to him for planning to do evil. Instead of putting Mordecai to death, Haman had to honour Mordecai in front of others. Instead of being favoured by Esther, Haman was accused by her. Instead of having a good time at the second banquet, Haman made Xerxes very angry.

Haman’s plan to kill Mordecai was carried out against himself. Then Xerxes gave Mordecai the ring with the king’s royal mark or seal. This meant that Xerxes trusted Mordecai as an official and advisor.

5:2

The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther: She was not killed for entering the king’s presence without an invitation (Esther 4:11, 16).

5:3

Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you: This common saying meant the king would be generous with her request. The king wanted nothing to stop Esther from telling the whole truth.

5:4

If it pleases the king: Esther showed proper respect (compare Esther 1:12).

5:8

grant my petition...come tomorrow: It was customary not to seem eager when asking for a favor or negotiating an agreement. The delay gave Xerxes time to learn about Mordecai's loyalty, which helped stop Haman's plot (see Esther 6:1–14).

5:9

Mordecai's fasting had ended, and he returned to his official duties at the gate. By not standing or trembling, he strongly refused to honor Haman (compare Esther 3:2–6).

5:9–14

This short pause highlights how deeply Haman hates Mordecai.

5:14

  • A sharpened pole was a common execution device (see also Esther 2:23; Genesis 40:19, 22; Joshua 8:29).

  • Seventy-five feet (fifty cubits) is very high, but Haman wanted to make an example of Mordecai, allowing everyone to see his body. The number might be an exaggeration for effect—fifty cubits is a round number—or it might mean a stake placed high on the city wall for public viewing.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources