ESTHER: The Beauty and The Beast
TLC/SM Spring Study 1999
Session 5
The First Banquet
The Second Banquet
The Second BanquetEsther's Request (5:1-8) Esther's Request (7:1-4)
Esther's Request (7:1-4)Haman's Self-exaltation (5:9-14) Haman's Abasement (7:5-10)
Haman's Abasement (7:5-10)Mordecai's exaltation (6:1-14) [Mordecai's exaltation (8:2; 10:1-3)]
[Mordecai's exaltation (8:2; 10:1-3)]Theme Verses
Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you." (5:3; cf. 7:2) and "What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked. (6:3a; cf. 7:5)
Goal
In Yahweh's covenantal care for His people, He has put down the mighty from their seats and exalted them of low degree.
What's Going on Here?
With boldness Esther approached Xerxes' throne, though without disclosing her request; she is presented an opportune time to speak at the banquet, but she delays petitioning the king until a second banquet. In the meantime, the second banquet invitation thrills Haman, who, for that and similar reasons, exalts himself in the presence of his friends; they encourage him to eliminate Mordecai, the thorn in his side, who is preventing Haman a true enjoyment of his temporary pleasures. Xerxes, at the same time, is unable to sleep; requesting the chronicles of his kingdom, he discovers that Mordecai had been unrewarded for his loyalty. Xerxes asks Haman how that man (Mordecai) should be honored, and Haman answers, all the while thinking that it is his recognition that he is planning. Shattered by Xerxes' actual intent, his advisors conclude that it is impossible to stand against Mordecai. At the second banquet, Esther reveals her petition; Xerxes fumes with rage; Haman pleads for mercy but a compromising situation only hastens his demise - the very one he had planned for Mordecai.
Searching the Scriptures
1. The Book of Esther is filled with contrasts - feasting and fasting, self-exaltation and humiliation. What contrast do you see between the relationship of Xerxes and Vashti (chapter 1) and the relationship of Xerxes and Esther (chapter 5)? What is the contrast intended to reveal?
2. Tension rose as chapter four drew to a close. All the Judahites of Susa were fasting on behalf of Esther. The reader is left wondering "Will God hear the prayers?" After reading 5:1-8, has God heard the prayers of His people? How does God show mercy to His people in the Old Testament - how does He "extend the scepter"? Read Exodus 24:4-11; 40:1-34; Isaiah 6:1-7.
3. The author of Esther adroitly fleshes out the characters; what picture of Haman is painted in 5:9-14? Against what backdrop does the author wish Haman to be seen? Read Proverbs 11:2; 16:18; 29:23; 1 Samuel 26-10.
4. Coming hard on the heels of his arrogant speech, Haman - flush with yet a second scheme -- enters Xerxes' court, hoping to receive an audience and a favorable response to his machination. Describe the irony for Haman and Mordecai in chapter 6. Consider also that wearing the garment of another implied a participation in the person's office or authority (1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Kings 2:13-14).
5. Having the benefit of hindsight, what might you conclude about Esther's delayed presentation of her request to Xerxes? What did it allow to develop? What can be said about "coincidences" based upon these events?
6. One theme in Esther seems to be hiddenness: God does not reveal His name; Esther is told twice not to reveal her ethnicity; Haman fails to disclose the identity of his hated enemies; Xerxes neglects to mention the recipient of his favor. Why might God keep things hidden? Comment on this in light of Psalm 73 and Colossians 3:1-4.
7. Haman's advisors have swung in their counsel, from boldness of action to futility of action. How do they arrive at their deduction in 6:13? Is it valid?
8. The progress of the narrative almost leads one to conclude before Esther presents her request that the rapid demise of Haman is inevitable. What dramatic reversals are found in Haman's fall?
The Word for Us
1. Esther expressed the confidence of faith in 4:16, demonstrating it in 5:1-2. What enables us to go before the throne of the King with confidence? Read John 14:13-14; Romans 5:1-2; and Hebrews 4:14-16. In the king's presence what petition could Esther have presented? What petitions are we to present? Read Matthew 7:7-11 and Philippians 4:6-7.
2. What is the difference between Haman's just reward for his self-exaltation and the idea of karma (the totality of a person's actions as determinative of his fate in the next)? How can we combat the idea of karma?
3. Does the reasoning of Haman's counselors (6:13) still stand today? If not, why? How would Paul answer it according to Romans 9-11?
4. When the people are hard-pressed on every side, what encouragement do the reversals of chapters 5-7 provide for us? How is this prophetic of our Lord's victory?
5. What promise of exaltation do the people of God have? Read Romans 8:17 and Colossians 3:1-4. By what means do we participate in the glory of the king, as Mordecai did in chapter 6? Read Galatians 3:26-4:8. How do Matthew 5:1-12 and Revelation 2:26-29 express our participation?
Closing
