THE KING’S SCEPTER EXTENDED

 Esther 5:1-14 / Keywords 5:2

THE KING’S SCEPTER EXTENDED

 

1. An invitation to a banquet (1-8)

Esther summoned her courage and went to the king. But when she entered the

inner court of the palace, King Xerxes was very pleased with her. He extended

his gold scepter to her, indicating she was welcome and would not die. It was an

answer to the prayer of her people. The king offered her up to half the kingdom if

she asked. But Esther was on a mission. God gave her wisdom to not divulge her

request too soon. Instead, she invited both the king and Haman to a banquet that

evening. When the king again offered her anything she wanted, she invited the two

of them to another banquet the next night. There, she would have an answer for

the king.

 

2. Haman builds his gallows (9-14)

Haman’s jovial mood was ruined when he passed by Mordecai and he neither

bowed down nor paid him honor. He went home and boasted and bragged to

his wife and friends about his high position and the invitations to two banquets

from the queen. Then he bitterly complained about Mordecai. His wife and friends

counseled him to have gallows built and have Mordecai hanged the next day. Then

he could go to the banquet in peace.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you that you answer prayer. Help us to put our confidence in

you.

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