Esther 5:1

“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 gate of the house.”

Esther 5:1 (KJV):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 gate of the house.

Historical Context:The Book of Esther is set during the time of the Persian Empire when King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) ruled over many provinces from India to Ethiopia. The events in Esther take place after the Jews were exiled from their homeland and were living in the Persian Empire.

• Esther’s Courage and Strategy:

In Esther 5:1, we see Esther displaying great courage and wisdom as she prepares to approach King Ahasuerus to make a request. Approaching the king without an invitation was a dangerous act that could result in death unless the king extended his golden scepter in approval. Esther, as queen, had not been called to the king for thirty days, which made it even riskier for her to approach him.

Putting on Royal Apparel:Esther took careful preparation before presenting herself to the king. She put on her royal apparel, which symbolized her position as queen and the authority she held. This act demonstrated her intention to approach the king with respect and confidence. By putting on her royal attire, she was reminding herself and others of her position and authority.

Stood in the Inner Court:Esther stood in the inner court of the king’s house, strategically positioning herself where the king could see her as he sat on his royal throne. This placement allowed her to capture his attention without directly approaching him, ensuring her safety until she received his approval to approach.

King Ahasuerus on His Throne:The description of King Ahasuerus sitting on his royal throne in the royal house emphasizes his power and authority. It also indicates that he was in a position to hear and respond to Esther’s request.

• Esther’s example teaches us the importance of courage and preparation when faced with challenging situations. Sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zones and take risks to achieve our goals.
• Esther’s careful approach to the king reminds us of the need for wisdom and strategy in our actions. We should consider the right timing and manner when presenting our requests or addressing important matters.
• Esther’s reliance on God’s guidance and intervention is evident throughout the book. Even though God is not explicitly mentioned, His providential hand is clearly at work. We can learn to trust in God’s timing and His faithfulness to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
• As believers, we have been called to approach God’s throne boldly and with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Esther’s approach to the king serves as a reminder of our access to the heavenly throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

Overall, Esther 5:1 highlights Esther’s courage, wisdom, and reliance on God’s guidance. It teaches us valuable lessons about faith, preparation, and approaching authority with respect and strategy.