Esther 7:2

“And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.”

Esther 7:2 is part of the narrative of the book of Esther, which tells the story of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and plays a crucial role in saving her people from destruction. This verse occurs during a pivotal moment in the story.

In the preceding chapters, the wicked Haman, who held a high position in King Ahasuerus’ court, had devised a plan to annihilate all the Jews in the kingdom. Queen Esther, who was secretly a Jew, was informed about this plot by her cousin Mordecai. Esther, upon hearing the news, took it upon herself to intercede for her people before the king, risking her life in the process.

In Esther 7:2, it is the second day of a banquet arranged by Esther for the king and Haman. On the previous day, Esther had invited the king and Haman to a feast, but she had not yet revealed her request. The king, after enjoying the first day’s banquet, approaches Esther again and asks what her petition is. The language used by the king indicates his willingness to grant her request, even to the extent of offering her up to half of his kingdom.

This verse demonstrates the suspense and tension in the narrative. Esther had been strategic in her approach, inviting the king and Haman to the banquet on two separate occasions. By doing so, she sought to create an atmosphere of curiosity and anticipation before presenting her request. The king’s offer of granting her petition, even to the half of the kingdom, emphasizes his favour and affection toward Esther.

Ultimately, in the subsequent verses, Esther reveals Haman’s wicked plot to destroy her people and pleads for the king’s intervention. Through her courageous appeal, Esther exposes Haman’s evil intentions, leading to his downfall and the deliverance of the Jews from destruction.

Esther 7:2 highlights Esther’s wisdom, bravery, and reliance on God’s providence throughout the story. It reminds us of the importance of taking bold steps in the face of adversity and trusting in God’s guidance as we advocate for justice and the well-being of others.