Esther 5

She Went In Unbidden, and the Sceptre Was Held Out

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Esther Puts On Her Glory and Goes In

5:1–1cOn the third day, when she had ceased praying, she took off the garments of her devotion and clothed herself in her glory.

Having made herself splendid and called upon God, the watcher over all and Savior, she took her two maids. She leaned on one as though being pampered, while the other followed, lifting her clothing.

She herself was radiant in the bloom of her beauty, and her face was cheerful and lovely, but her heart was constricted with fear.

Passing through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was sitting on his royal throne, clothed in all his splendid apparel, entirely covered with gold and precious stones, and was exceedingly fearsome.

The King’s Anger Turns to Gentleness

5:1d–1f; 5:2He raised his face, ablaze with glory, and looked at her in the height of anger. The queen fell, her color changed as she fainted, and she bent over upon the head of the maid who went before her.

God changed the king’s spirit to gentleness. In alarm he leaped from his throne and took her into his arms until she recovered. He comforted her with peaceful words and said to her:

“What is it, Esther? I am your brother. Take courage; you will certainly not die, for our decree is held in common. Come near.”

He raised the golden rod and laid it upon her neck. He kissed her and said, “Speak to me.”

5:2aShe said to him, “I saw you, lord, like an angel of God, and my heart was troubled with fear of your glory. For you are marvelous, lord, and your face is full of grace.”

5:2bWhile she was speaking, she fell in her faintness. The king was troubled, and all his attendants comforted her.

Esther Invites the King and Haman

5:3The king said, “What do you want, Esther, and what is your petition? Even up to half my kingdom, it shall be yours.”

5:4Esther said, “Today is a special day for me. If, therefore, it pleases the king, let him and Haman come to the reception I will hold today.”

5:5The king said, “Hurry Haman here, so that we may carry out Esther’s word.” Both came to the reception Esther had spoken of.

5:6During the drinking feast the king said to Esther, “What is it, Queen Esther? Whatever you ask shall be yours.”

5:7She said, “My request and my petition are this:

5:8If I have found favor before the king, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the reception I will hold for them, and tomorrow I will do the same.”

Haman’s Rage at Mordecai

5:9Haman went out from the king overjoyed and rejoicing. But when Haman saw Mordecai the Jew in the court, he became exceedingly angry.

5:10He went into his own house and summoned his friends and his wife Zosara.

5:11He showed them his wealth and the glory the king had bestowed on him, and how he had made him first and a leader of the kingdom.

5:12Haman said, “The queen has invited no one but me with the king to the reception, and I am invited for tomorrow.

5:13Yet these things do not please me whenever I see Mordecai the Jew in the court.”

Zosara Counsels the Gallows

5:14His wife Zosara and his friends said to him, “Let a tree fifty cubits long be cut for you. At dawn speak to the king, and let Mordecai be hung on the tree. Then enter the reception with the king and rejoice.” The proposal pleased Haman, and the tree was prepared.

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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.