Esther 5 — Holy Timing and the Hidden Name
The Approach After the three-day fast we noted yesterday, Esther steps into the inner court unbidden. In Persian law, this was a death gamble unless the golden scepter was extended. The scepter lowers—favor meets faith. This scene hums with Proverbs 21:1: The king’s heart is a stream in God’s hand. For Christians, it whispers of Hebrews 4:16: if a Persian monarch can be approached with risk, how much more may we come to the throne of grace through Christ.
The Banquets and the Wise Delay Esther invites the king and Haman to two wine-feasts (mishteh yayin). Ancient reliefs from Persepolis show such court banquets as places of policy, not mere pleasure. Esther’s delay is not fear; it is prudence formed by fasting. She times her speech to God’s clock, creating space for providence to work overnight (see tomorrow’s chapter). Early commentators (e.g., Matthew Henry) praised her restraint as the clothing of courage.
Haman’s Hollow Joy Haman departs “joyful,” yet one steadfast Jew unseats him. Mordecai will not “rise or tremble”—a quiet echo of Psalm 112:7. Haman orders a fifty-cubit ’etz—likely an impaling stake, common in Achaemenid punishment, not a Western gallows. The height shouts his pride; soon it will broadcast his fall.
Hidden Name, Hidden Hand Rabbinic readers long noticed an acrostic in 5:4—“Let the king and Haman come today”—yavo ha-melech veHaman hayom. The initial letters spell the divine Name (YHWH), as if God signs the margin while remaining unmentioned. Hidden, yet ruling.
Suggested cross-references: - Proverbs 21:1; Hebrews 4:16; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 23:5; 1 Peter 5:6; Exodus 17:8–16; 1 Samuel 15 Hymn: Be Still, My Soul.
Prayer Lord of hidden turns, teach us Esther’s patience, Mordecai’s steadiness, and Your timing. Bend the hearts of rulers, frustrate proud designs, and seat our words at Your table of providence. We trust Your unseen hand. Amen.