Esther's Banquets
Faith - Prayer

Esther’s Second Banquet

At our women’s Bible study last night, we were discussing the book of Esther. The Jews all across the Persian Empire were in danger of being killed as a result of the edict that Haman wrote and sealed with the King’s signet ring. 

Mordecai asked Queen Esther to intervene, but Esther was fearful that she would not be received by the King. Mordecai persuaded her that she must approach the King. Esther relented with a plan.

Esther asked Mordecai to spread the word for three days of prayer and fasting. She said to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:16

And then she prepared TWO banquets for the King and Haman. After the first banquet she asked the King and Haman to come again the next day.

And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!” Esther 7:2

Why did she prepare two banquets? Why didn’t she tell the King her petition during the first banquet?

Perhaps Esther recognized the need to proceed slowly, softening the heart of the King. (Haman was highly regarded by the King.) After the days of fasting God helped Esther. She received wisdom. God’s hand was in the timing of the events.

It is interesting that the King had a restless night and could not sleep after the first banquet. He had a book of records brought to him and the incident of Mordecai reporting an evil plot against the king was recalled. This was an important development leading to Mordecai replacing Haman.

I have been thinking about the divisive issues in our culture—and my position on issues. I need to be prayerful. I imagine that fasting helps the mind to focus with clarity. It is good to pause from activity and be quiet. Afterward, it is easier to listen, participate in discussion and present truth.

Finally, I can trust God’s sovereignty, even though I don’t know God’s timing.

Kate’s prompt for the Five Minute Friday writing community is: SECOND

Carol is a follower of Jesus and a wife, mom & grandma. She worked for many years as a childbirth nurse and prenatal educator. She has retired from clinical work. She has written articles for nursing journals and devotionals. Her novel, Aliisa's Letter, was published in 2010 and she is currently working on another project.

12 Comments on “Esther’s Second Banquet

  1. Esther’s story is remarkable in so many ways. god’s timing is perfect and when we tune in the Holy Spirit and join in with God’s purposes, as Esther did, we see the wisdom and wonder unfold.
    Thank you for sharing this great story.

  2. Carol, what a wonderful Bible study. I really love your insights and encouragement within.
    Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.

  3. Fasting may bring clarity,
    or so I’ve lately read,
    but it prob’ly is not for me,
    for I’d fall upon my head
    when blood sugar got too low,
    and I would simply fall
    and deal a mighty ringing blow
    on nearby ground or wall,
    but my head, on the other hand
    is made of solid bone,
    and on whatever it might land,
    be it on brick or stone,
    would surely raise a distressed cry,
    damaged so much worse than I.

  4. I love Esther. I too, wonder why two banquets. One theory suggests she got cold feet the first time. But your perspective makes sense. Thanks for sharing.

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