Esther – Action after Fasting Prayer (Esther 5:1-8 Devotional)

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. ² And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. ³ And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” ⁴ And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” ⁵ Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. ⁶ And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” ⁷ Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: ⁸ If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

Esther 5:1-8

Have you paid attention to the dates in the Book of Esther? On the 13th day of the Jewish first month, Haman wrote the edict to kill the entire Jewish race. Esther and the Jews prayed and fasted for three days and three nights. Esther rose and acted, expecting the worst to perish. She asked to see the king!

Did you know that Passover is from the 15th to the 23rd of the Jewish first month? It is April 15th – 23rd this year. The Good Friday and Easter of this year are also in this week. The story of Esther is also at this time! Originally, the Jews celebrated their exodus from Egypt by eating, drinking, and praising God. But the enemy of the Jews wanted to exterminate the Jewish race! The Jews had to seek God’s grace! They fasted for three days and three nights!

Esther risked her life to see the king. A small mistake could be fatal, and the nation of Israel could not be saved! Her plan and words were filled with great courage and wisdom from God! Very often, we want to talk straight to the point. But Esther did not ask the king directly, she slowly prepared the king’s heart. Also slowly tested Haman’s position in the king’s heart. Her good method was to invite people to a feast before asking for help! First, get people’s favor, understand where the enemy is, and then ask for help.

The king knew that Esther must have something to ask for, otherwise she would not risk her life to ask the king! He obviously loved Esther, and he came to the feast at her request, and ordered Haman, the high official, to come with him. He once again joined the feast on the second night!

The second dinner is on the 17th day of the first Jewish month, which commemorates the Israelites crossing the Red Sea! All timings are in God’s hand, neither sooner nor too late! When the time comes, God will open the way! Do you believe it?

Prayer:

Oh, God! Let me trust you! The timetable of my life is in your hands, and you will give me the best! Let me be brave to stand up for you!