Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house Esther 5:1
Esther Invites the King and Haman to a Banquet
Esther is fearful but does go to the king. Esther invites Xerxes and Haman to a meal in her rooms, but senses the time is not right. So she asks them to return the next evening.
1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the
king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. 3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
Haman’s rage In spite of the published decree, Mordecai ignores Haman, showing neither fear nor respect. Grimly Haman raises a high gallows, intending to ask Xerxes the next day for permission to hang Mordecai.
Tomorrow (5:7). No reason is given here for Esther’s delay. While some ascribe her hesitancy to fear, it’s probably better to credit her with the spiritual discernment necessary to sense God’s timing.
“No satisfaction” (5:13). Personal pride is a burden too heavy for anyone to bear. It makes us so vulnerable to the options of others that we can take no pleasure in the good things God provides.
… but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. … Haman told them (wife and friends) of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. 13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows [3] be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
–> In spite of her fear, Esther did not blurt out her request to the king in haste. After fasting and prayer, she had the wisdom to wait for the right moment. God Himself was guiding her.