Esther 7 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther.
2 And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”
3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.
4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.”
5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?”
6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
7 And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king.
8 And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman’s face.
9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.”
10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.

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The True Meaning of Esther 7

The book of Esther was likely written by Mordecai, a Jewish exile living in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. Mordecai was a wise and influential man who played a crucial role in the events described in this chapter. A pivotal moment in the story occurs in Esther 7, where the fate of the Jewish people hangs in the balance. The wicked Haman, who had plotted to destroy the Jews, is confronted by Queen Esther, who bravely reveals his treacherous plan to the king. This chapter showcases the power of courage, faith, and divine intervention in the face of adversity, as seen in the book of Esther.

The events in this chapter echo the words of the psalmist, who wrote, “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9). As we delve into this chapter, God guides the lives of His people, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Esther 7:1-4

Queen Esther reveals her plan during the second banquet she has prepared for King Xerxes and Haman in Esther 7:1-4. Esther presents her petition to the king as she sits down, requesting her life and the lives of her people, the Jews, who have been targeted for annihilation by Haman’s decree. This crucial moment marks a powerful turning point in the Book of Esther, where Esther boldly confronts the king and reveals her Jewish identity, risking her own life for the sake of her people’s salvation.

Queen Esther’s decision to approach the king uninvited was a risky move, as doing so could result in her death according to the king’s law. However, her bravery and conviction show her unwavering faith in God’s providence and her commitment to saving her people from destruction. Esther’s actions serve as a powerful example of courage and faith in the face of adversity, demonstrating that sometimes we need to take risks and stand up for what is right, even when the outcome is uncertain.

The moment of tension builds as Esther’s request hangs in the balance, awaiting the king’s response. This climactic scene showcases Esther’s faith and trust in God’s plan, as she puts the fate of her people in His hands. The suspense of the moment underscores the theme of divine intervention and providence that runs throughout the Book of Esther, illustrating how God works behind the scenes to bring about justice and deliverance for His people. Haman, the villain who orchestrated the plot to exterminate the Jews, experiences a reversal of fortune as the narrative unfolds. His evil intentions are exposed in this critical moment, bringing about his downfall and eventual demise. This aspect of divine justice echoes throughout the Bible, showing that ultimately, the wicked will be punished and the righteous will prevail.

Therefore, Esther 7:1-4 serves as a pivotal moment in the story of Esther, highlighting themes of courage, faith, divine providence, justice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It inspires readers to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of adversity, and to stand up for what is right, knowing that God is always working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Esther 7:5-7

Queen Esther finally reveals her petition to King Xerxes regarding the wicked Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews in Esther 7:5-7. The verse begins with King Xerxes asking Esther, “Who is he, and where is he—that dared to do such a thing?” This question shows the king’s mounting curiosity and anger, as he is unaware of the evil plan that has been set in motion. Esther, recognizing this pivotal moment, points directly at Haman, and without mincing words, declares, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.”

Esther’s bold declaration not only exposes Haman’s true intentions but also serves as a turning point in the narrative. Up until this moment, Haman had been in a position of power and favor with the king, but now his treachery is laid bare for all to see. This event highlights the theme of divine justice prevailing over evil schemes, as Haman’s downfall is imminent. We witness a dramatic series of events that lead to Haman’s ultimate demise as the narrative unfolds. The king is so enraged by Haman’s deception that he storms out into the palace garden, leaving Haman desperate and at the mercy of Queen Esther. Haman falls on the couch where Esther is reclining, further angering the king upon his return. This moment of vulnerability for Haman marks the beginning of the end for him.

The tension in this passage is palpable as the king, upon seeing Haman in close proximity to Esther, assumes the worst and questions, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence—in my own house?” This question not only reflects the king’s protectiveness of Esther but also underscores the severity of Haman’s crimes in the king’s eyes. One of the eunuchs attending the king suggests to Xerxes in a final act of judgment to erect a gallows for Haman, who had earlier built one for Mordecai, the very person whose life he had sought to destroy. This poetic justice serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of one’s actions and the importance of seeking God’s favor rather than succumbing to pride and wickedness. Divine intervention and the triumph of righteousness over evil are powerfully demonstrated in Esther 7:5-7. It also emphasizes the significance of courage, faith, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of great danger. The story of Esther and the downfall of Haman continue to serve as timeless lessons for believers about the faithfulness of God and the ultimate defeat of those who plot harm against His people.

Esther 7:8-10

They covered Haman’s face as the word left the king’s mouth in Esther 7:8-10. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, ‘A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.’ The king said, ‘Impale him on it!’ So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided. Haman, the enemy of the Jews who devised a plan to annihilate them, experiences a swift and dramatic downfall in this passage. The covering of Haman’s face was a sign of his condemnation and impending execution. The mentioning of Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, and his revelation of the gallows prepared by Haman for Mordecai is a pivotal moment in the story. Mordecai, a Jew and cousin of Esther, had previously uncovered a plot to assassinate the king, thus saving his life. However, Haman’s pride and hatred towards Mordecai led him to build gallows to hang Mordecai. This act of vengeance boomeranged back on Haman, as he was executed on the very gallows he had erected for his enemy. This turn of events serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 26:27, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.”

The decree of impalement carried out by the king was a severe form of punishment, underscoring the gravity of Haman’s crimes and the king’s support for Mordecai and his people. It is notable that the king’s fury subsided once justice was served, suggesting a sense of resolution and restoration of peace. This episode emphasizes the biblical principle of divine justice prevailing over the schemes of the wicked. Psalm 37:7-13 reassures believers that though the wicked may plot against the righteous, God will ultimately bring about their downfall and vindicate the innocent. The events described in Esther 7:8-10 highlight the themes of divine providence, retribution, and the triumph of good over evil. This account serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in protecting His people and thwarting the plans of those who seek to harm them. The downfall of Haman and the elevation of Mordecai demonstrate the timeless truth that those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame (Psalm 25:3).

After Esther 7

The king’s anger burned hot, and he demanded to know the identity of the one who dared to plot against his trusted advisor. Haman’s face turned pale as he realized his wicked scheme had been uncovered. Esther, with courage and wisdom, revealed Haman’s treachery, exposing the threat he posed to the Jewish people. The king’s fury knew no bounds, and in a swift act of justice, Haman was condemned to hang on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. A new chapter unfolded as the sun set on that fateful day. The king’s heart had been stirred, and he sought to make amends for the harm that had nearly befallen his people. With a renewed sense of purpose, the reverend knew that the road ahead would be filled with both challenges and opportunities to bring about true justice and restoration.