Esther 7 1

Esther 7:1 kjv

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.

Esther 7:1 nkjv

So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther.

Esther 7:1 niv

So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther's banquet,

Esther 7:1 esv

So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther.

Esther 7:1 nlt

So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther's banquet.

Esther 7 verses

Esther 7 1 Meaning

Esther 7:1 simply states the arrival of King Ahasuerus and Haman at the second banquet hosted by Queen Esther. This seemingly plain detail signifies the commencement of the decisive event planned by Esther, setting the stage for Haman's dramatic downfall and the subsequent salvation of the Jewish people, making it a pivotal turning point in the narrative.

Esther 7 1 Context

Esther 7:1 arrives at a critical juncture in the book. It immediately follows the night of King Ahasuerus’s sleeplessness, during which he read the chronicles and discovered Mordecai’s loyalty had never been rewarded (Esth 6:1-3). This led to Haman unwittingly honoring his enemy, Mordecai, by leading him through the city streets (Esth 6:10-11). Haman then rushed home to relate his humiliation and impending doom (Esth 6:12-13). As his wise men and Zeresh prophesied his downfall before Mordecai, eunuchs immediately brought Haman to Esther's second banquet. This verse thus marks the convergence of divinely orchestrated events, the moment of revelation, and the execution of Esther’s strategic plan for the deliverance of her people, highlighting the contrast between Haman's outwardly unchanged status as a royal guest and his inner turmoil and coming ruin.

Esther 7 1 Word analysis

• So: In Hebrew, וַיָּבֹ֣א (vayyavo) "and came," connecting the events directly and swiftly from the previous chapter. This "so" or "and" emphasizes the immediate consequence of the eunuchs rushing Haman, signaling a rapid progression towards the climax. It implies divine momentum building.
• the king: הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (hammelekh), referring to Ahasuerus, symbolizing ultimate human authority in the Persian Empire, yet subservient to divine providence. He represents raw, earthly power and arbitrary rule that God nonetheless uses for His purposes.
• and Haman: וְהָמָ֖ן (vehaman), the adversary of the Jews, appearing alongside the king as if an honored guest. This is dramatic irony, as his outward honor contrasts sharply with his inner terror and his rapidly approaching judgment. His inclusion emphasizes that the two key figures who held power over life and death are now at Esther's table.
• came: בָּא (ba), the verb 'to come' or 'to enter.' It's simple but powerful, showing their presence. The Hebrew narrative often uses simple verb forms to indicate swift, decisive action, building suspense as they enter the appointed place of reckoning.
• to Queen Esther’s banquet: אֶל־מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַמַּלְכָּה־אֶסְתֵּֽר (ʾel-mishteh hamaleka-ʾestēr), literally "to the banquet of Queen Esther." This phrase emphasizes it is her banquet, meaning she controls the agenda and the proceedings, shifting the locus of power to her. A "mishteh" (מִשְׁתֶּה) is a drinking feast, often with political implications in Persian culture, where agreements were sealed and decisions made under the influence of wine. It also highlights the unusual agency granted to a woman, Esther, in this highly patriarchal society.
• Word-group Analysis:
  • "So the king and Haman came": This immediate procession underscores the rapid unfolding of events, where no delay is tolerated. It conveys a sense of inescapable destiny for Haman, being directly brought from his scene of humiliation to the scene of his judgment without respite. It highlights divine providence working behind the scenes.
  • "to Queen Esther’s banquet": This points to Esther's carefully orchestrated strategy. She deliberately delayed her petition to a second banquet (Esth 5:8), creating a greater sense of anticipation and ensuring that Haman was fully exposed to the King’s irrational actions and Mordecai’s rising favor, thereby deepening the king's indebtedness and softening his heart toward her and her cause.

Esther 7 1 Bonus section

The careful mention of "Queen Esther's banquet" twice in the narrative (5:8 and 7:1) serves to heighten anticipation and suspense. It implies her complete control and careful planning of these events. The atmosphere of a banquet (mishteh), traditionally associated with pleasure, celebration, and sometimes strategic discussions in Persian culture, transforms into a setting for an unexpected revelation of evil and swift justice. The text, in its lean and direct style, emphasizes God's presence through His absence of explicit mention; the sequence of "coincidences" like the king's sleeplessness, the eunuchs "rushing" Haman, and Haman's precise timing for his petition, all subtly point to divine orchestration (Prov 19:21). The verse exemplifies the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, illustrating how those who devise evil plans against God's people often become ensnared by their own machinations (Ps 7:15-16).

Esther 7 1 Commentary

Esther 7:1 initiates the dramatic climax of the book. The verse’s simplicity belies its profound significance, setting the stage for Haman's demise. The prompt arrival of the King and Haman at Esther's second banquet is laden with dramatic irony, particularly for Haman, who arrives directly from the depths of personal humiliation, still unaware he walks into his pre-ordained trap. Esther, through patience and strategic timing, has prepared this moment, orchestrating the King's introspection and Haman's exposure as an unwitting pawn. This banquet, unlike typical royal festivities, serves as a divine court where judgment is meted out. It demonstrates how God can use ordinary human events—like a social dinner—to fulfill His extraordinary purposes, turn the wicked’s schemes back on them, and deliver His people.