Esther Chapter 5

“Now it came to pass on the third day, etc.] Of the fast; though the former Targum paraphrases it the third day of the passover, the sixteenth of Nisan, (see Gill on “<170417>Esther 4:17”), though it is probable this was nearer the time fixed for the destruction of the Jews, (see <170809>Esther 8:9), yet the Jews have fixed the fast of Esther on that very day, the thirteenth of Adar f132: that Esther put on her royal apparel; in order to go in to the king, and appear before him; which to do in a mournful habit, such as she had on when fasting, was not proper; for then she put off her royal crown, as is intimated…”

“ESTHER INVITES THE KING AND HAMAN TO A BANQUET. (Est 5:1-14) Esther put on her royal apparel--It was not only natural, but, on such occasions, highly proper and expedient, that the queen should decorate herself in a style becoming her exalted station. On ordinary occasions she might reasonably set off her charms to as much advantage as possible; but, on the present occasion, as she was desirous to secure the favor of one who sustained the twofold character of her husband and her sovereign, public as well as private considerations--a regard to her personal safety, no less than the preservation of her doomed…”

“Over against the gate - This is the usual situation of the throne in the “throne-room” of an Oriental palace. The monarch, from his raised position, can see into the court through the doorway opposite to him, which is kept open. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Held out - In testimony that he pardoned her presumption, and was ready to grant her petition. Touched - In token of her thankful acceptance of the king's favour, and of her reverence and submission. Esther 5:3”

“5:2 he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her: She was not killed for entering the king’s presence without an invitation (4:11, 16).”

“on the: Est 4:16; Mat 27:64 royal: Est 1:11, Est 8:15; Mat 10:16, Mat 11:8; Pe1 3:3-5 inner: Est 4:11, Est 6:4 sat: Kg1 10:18-20; Luk 22:30; Rev 3:21 Esther 5:2”

“On the third day Esther put on her royal apparel and entered the inner court of the king's house, opposite the dwelling of the king, where he was sitting on his throne before the gate ( Est 5:1). The third day must be counted from the day of the transaction between the queen and Mordochai ( Est 4:14); the first day being that on which it took place. The fasting, then, would not begin till midday; and on the third day Esther went to the king to invite him on that day to a banquet, which would surely take place in the forenoon. Thus the three days' fast would last from the afternoon of the first to the forenoon of…”