God’s Guiding Word: Prayer
Introduction
Esther 5:1–14: In today’s reading, Esther begins her plan to save the Jews by inviting the king and Haman to a banquet. The chapter concludes with Haman plotting to kill Mordecai.
Today’s Key Verse: Esther 5:2
When the king saw Queen Esther standing outside, she won his favor, and he held out to her the gold scepter.
Reading
5 On the third day of her fast Esther put on her royal robes and went and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace, facing the throne room. The king was inside, seated on the royal throne, facing the entrance. 2 When the king saw Queen Esther standing outside, she won his favor, and he held out to her the gold scepter. She then came up and touched the tip of it. 3 “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked. “Tell me what you want, and you shall have it—even if it is half my empire.”
4 Esther replied, “If it please Your Majesty, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tonight at a banquet I am preparing for you.”
5 The king then ordered Haman to come quickly, so that they could be Esther’s guests. So the king and Haman went to Esther’s banquet. 6 Over the wine the king asked her, “Tell me what you want, and you shall have it. I will grant your request, even if you ask for half my empire.”
7 Esther replied, 8 “If Your Majesty is kind enough to grant my request, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tomorrow at another banquet that I will prepare for you. At that time I will tell you what I want.”
9 When Haman left the banquet he was happy and in a good mood. But then he saw Mordecai at the entrance of the palace, and when Mordecai did not rise or show any sign of respect as he passed, Haman was furious with him. 10 But he controlled himself and went on home. Then he invited his friends to his house and asked his wife Zeresh to join them. 11 He boasted to them about how rich he was, how many sons he had, how the king had promoted him to high office, and how much more important he was than any of the king’s other officials. 12 “What is more,” Haman went on, “Queen Esther gave a banquet for no one but the king and me, and we are invited back tomorrow. 13 But none of this means a thing to me as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the entrance of the palace.”
14 So his wife and all his friends suggested, “Why don’t you have a gallows built, seventy-five feet tall? Tomorrow morning you can ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it, and then you can go to the banquet happy.”
Haman thought this was a good idea, so he had the gallows built.
Reflect
A scepter is the official staff of a monarch and symbolizes authority. If a king held out his staff, that signaled that the person was welcome to come forward. Requiring this gesture served as a security measure, keeping possible assassins at a distance. Someone trying to see the king without being invited would be suspected of putting the king in danger and might be killed. Put yourself in Esther’s place. What do you think she was feeling as she stood in the inner courtyard of the palace? What are your thoughts about Esther’s plan? What does Haman’s wife tell him to do?
Pray
Lord God, I come to you in prayer each day, trusting that you know what is in my heart. I pray today for _____________________. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer. Amen.
And now, join us in praying for the people in Haiti who yearn to know God’s Word. Voodoo, sorcery, and witchcraft are common in Haiti. Many people feel threatened and live in fear of violence and upheaval. They yearn for Scripture to ease their aching hearts but cannot afford their own Bibles. But thanks to Bible-A-Month Partners, these struggling people have been able to watch the JESUS Film and receive their very own Bibles in their heart language. Thank you, loving God, that your Word is transforming lives, giving people new strength, renewing their faith, and increasing their desire to serve you and be obedient to your will. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Esther 6:1–13: The king honors Mordecai.