Esther 5:1-8
The Gold Scepter
Read the passage
1On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance.
2As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”
4“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”
5“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.
6And as they drank their wine, the king said to 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.”
7Esther replied, “This is my petition and my request:
8If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
On the third day, Esther puts on her royal robes and stands in the inner court. Xerxes is on his throne facing the entrance. He sees her, extends the gold scepter, and she approaches to touch its tip.
The scepter is the exception to the law she feared. The king receives her favorably, and she can speak. The king asks what she wants, offering even up to half his kingdom.
Esther invites him and Haman to a banquet she has prepared. The king sends for Haman immediately. At the meal he repeats his question, but Esther invites them both to another banquet the next day. Then she will answer.
We are not given her reason for waiting. What we can see is that she has approached the king, received his welcome, and brought Haman to the table. Her request for her people's lives is still to come.
Passing the first obstacle has not finished her work. The king's favorable reception is an opening through which she must continue. Courage has brought her into the court; she still needs to speak about the danger to her people.
Questions
1 How does Esther approach the king?
AnswerWearing her royal robes, she stands in the inner court across from his quarters.
2 What shows that he receives her favorably?
AnswerHe extends the gold scepter. She approaches and touches its tip, and he asks for her request.
3 Whom does Esther invite to the first banquet?
AnswerThe king and Haman. Both come, and the king asks again what she wants.
4 What does she ask at that banquet?
AnswerThat they come to another banquet tomorrow, when she will answer the king's question. The passage does not explain the delay.
What This Means for Us
A difficult conversation may take preparation and more than one step. When someone gives you an opportunity to speak, use it thoughtfully. Ask God for courage, clear words, and good judgment about timing. Esther's experience gives no guarantee that every frightening encounter will go well, but it shows that fear need not prevent a necessary step.
Prayer
Father, help us prepare for difficult conversations and speak with courage and care. Give us wisdom about timing and faithfulness to follow through when work remains. Amen.