Esther 5 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments
  • Esther 5:1 open_in_new

    On the third day] This indicates that the fast of href='190 4:16'>Est 4:16 is not to be regarded as extending over three whole days.

  • Esther 5:1-14 open_in_new

    Esther's Petition to the King

    An account of how Esther, being favourably received by the king, invited him, together with Haman, to a banquet whereat she promised to make known her petition, and how Haman prepared for the execution of Mordecai.

  • Esther 5:6 open_in_new

    The banquet of wine] This presumably followed the dinner. Herodotus states that the Persians, though moderate at their meals, were much addicted to wine.

  • Esther 5:8 open_in_new

    I will do.. hath said] i.e. to make known to him her request. Esther hoped that by preparing a second banquet for the king before presenting her petition, she would render him more disposed to grant it.

  • Esther 5:9 open_in_new

    In the king's gate] Since his hopes had been raised by Esther's undertaking to supplicate the king, he had laid aside his garb of mourning (href='190 4:2'>Est 4:2), and resumed his previous station (href='190 2:21'>Est 2:21).

  • Esther 5:11 open_in_new

    The multitude of his children] A Jew regarded a large family as a blessing (Genesis 30:20), and, according to Herodotus, a Persian's strongest motive for pride, next to his personal bravery, was the number of his children. Haman had ten sons (href='190 9:10'>Est 9:10).