1. Esther's preparations ch. 5

Chapters 5-7 carry us to the climax of our story. They show how God providentially preserved and protected His people.

 The first banquet 5:1-8

Here we have another remarkable example of how God controls the hearts of kings (v. 2; Prov. 21:1; cf. Gen. 39-41; Ezra 1:1-4; Neh. 2; Dan. 2; 3; 4; 5; Acts 2:23). "To half of the kingdom"(v. 3) is hyperbole and means, "I will grant even a large request"(cf. 5:6; 7:2; Mark 6:22-23). Esther must have had a very good reason for postponing her request of the king (v. 8) since delaying it opened the door to any number of complications. The king's mood might have changed, or Haman might have discovered the reason for the banquet.

Esther's "procedure is part of a shrewd and deliberate plan in which Esther is taking the initiative and determining the course of events, as a close reading of the narrative will clearly show."⁷⁸

"The spiritual application to the gospel message is remarkable. Because of our sin, we cannot enter the presence of an infinitely holy God. But this same God, in His incomparable love and grace, has provided a plan whereby even the worst of sinners may enter His presence and touch, as it were, His golden scepter."⁷⁹

 Haman's reaction 5:9-14

God had obviously kept Haman from discovering Esther's relationship to Mordecai.

"It was an unusual honor to be invited to a banquet with the queen, for Persian officials were protective of their wives."⁸⁰

The Persians placed great value on having many sons (v. 11).⁸¹A person of good character overlooks slights against himself or herself, but a man or woman of inferior character magnifies them (v. 13). Haman may have erected his 75 foot gallows (or stake) on the top of a hill or building to make its total height 75 feet tall. On the other hand it may have been that high itself so everyone could see it.

"This is a fascinating example of the deceived sinner, glorying in self and hating both the true God and His people."⁸²

"Haman is a case study in that inordinate pride and arrogance that conceals a vast and tender ego' (Fox, 179). . . .

"Haman's plans are about to run head on into the providence of God."⁸³