Albert Barnes Commentary Esther 5
Albert Barnes Commentary
Esther 5
Albert Barnes Commentary
Esther 5
"Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king`s house, over against the king`s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house." — Esther 5:1 (ASV)
Opposite the gate—This is the usual situation of the throne in the “throne-room” of an Eastern palace. The monarch, from his raised position, can see into the court through the doorway opposite to him, which is kept open.
"Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom." — Esther 5:3 (ASV)
It shall be even given thee... - Xerxes, on another occasion, when pleased with one of his wives, offered to grant her any request whatever, without limitation. Compare the margin reference.
"And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him." — Esther 5:4 (ASV)
Esther seems to have been afraid to make her real request of Xerxes too abruptly. She concluded that the king would understand that she had a real petition in the background, and would return to it, as in fact he did (Esther 5:6; Esther 7:2).
"And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed." — Esther 5:6 (ASV)
The banquet of wine: After the main courses were removed, it was customary in Persia to continue the banquet for a considerable time with fruits and wine. During this part of the feast, the king renewed his offer.
"Then went Haman forth that day joyful and glad of heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king`s gate, that he stood not up nor moved for him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai." — Esther 5:9 (ASV)
He neither stood up nor moved for him—this was undoubtedly a serious breach of Persian etiquette and may well have angered Haman.
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