Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of EstherSample

Esther and her maids have been fasting for three days for God’s favor, wisdom and mercy as she petitions the king. Remember, it’s been a month since she was last called in to see her husband. Now the big issue is how will Esther ask to save her people? That means she has to reveal her Jewish heritage to the king.

After all the prayer and fasting for favor in approaching the king, guess what? He extends his golden scepter to Esther! What a huge sigh of relief! Now she makes her request to Xerxes, but get this, it’s not what you think. Instead of bluntly telling her husband about Haman’s genocidal decree to destroy the Jews, she invites both the king and Haman to a banquet she has prepared. What? I didn’t see that coming!

Fast forward a bit later to Esther’s banquet. When the king is in good spirits from the wine, he becomes curious about her request. She says, “My petition and request is this. If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” (Esther 5: 7 - 8)

Esther is keeping Xerxes engaged with intrigue and building the moment up. She’s clever to spend some more time with the king before addressing such a serious issue. Let him be reminded of how beautiful she is and how important to him she is as his Queen. And this tactic is working! Tomorrow, we’ll check in on what’s going on in Haman’s mind during all of this.

Questions:

1. What do you think was the purpose for Esther and her maids fasting for three days, following a practice of her faith she would have been taught as a child?

2. What are your thoughts on Esther's decision to delay revealing her true request? Was it strategic or manipulative?

3. Why do you think she wanted to invite Haman to the banquet instead of just telling her husband alone?