Verses 1-14

Esther's Petition to the King

An account of how Esther, being favourably received by the king, invited him, together with Haman, to a banquet whereat she promised to make known her petition, and how Haman prepared for the execution of Mordecai.

1. On the third day] This indicates that the fast of Esther 4:16 is not to be regarded as extending over three whole days.

6. The banquet of wine] This presumably followed the dinner. Herodotus states that the Persians, though moderate at their meals, were much addicted to wine.

8. I will do.. hath said] i.e. to make known to him her request. Esther hoped that by preparing a second banquet for the king before presenting her petition, she would render him more disposed to grant it.

9. In the king's gate] Since his hopes had been raised by Esther's undertaking to supplicate the king, he had laid aside his garb of mourning (Esther 4:2), and resumed his previous station (Esther 2:21).

11. The multitude of his children] A Jew regarded a large family as a blessing (Genesis 30:20), and, according to Herodotus, a Persian's strongest motive for pride, next to his personal bravery, was the number of his children. Haman had ten sons (Esther 9:10).

14. A gallows] lit. 'a tree' (or 'stake').