First Feast
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: Esther
- Chapters: Esther 5
- Summary: Esther approached Ahasuerus, received favor, and invited the king and Haman to a banquet before delaying her request to a second feast.
Details
After three days of fasting, Esther put on royal apparel and stood in the inner court. The king extended the golden scepter, sparing her life and inviting her request. Rather than reveal everything immediately, Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet.
At the feast, the king again asked her petition, but Esther requested that they return the next day. Haman left joyful and proud, but seeing Mordecai at the gate reignited his hatred. At home, his wife and friends advised him to build gallows for Mordecai.
Key People Involved
- Esther - Approaches the king and hosts the feast
- Ahasuerus - Extends the scepter
- Haman - Invited guest whose pride grows
- Mordecai - His refusal to tremble enrages Haman
Key Places
- The King’s Court - Esther risks entering the inner court
- King’s Gate - Mordecai’s presence provokes Haman
Important Verses
- Esther 5:2
- Esther 5:8
Cross-References
Notes
The delay between the first and second feasts makes room for the sleepless-night reversal in Esther 6.