Esther 5
From Esther's Journal
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How I became queen is quite a story, I can hardly believe it myself. But I've already told you that part.
At this moment, I am in the presence of the king of Babylon. The man who has power to allow a person to live and the power to condemn a person to death.
He looked tired when I first appeared at his chamber. Then he looked my way and saw me. He suddenly smiled. Color came to his face. I was so happy I had pleased him.
I didn't go to his presence just anytime I wanted. Only a fool would do that. I hadn't seen him in thirty days. This time was special. I was sent to perform a task. One of epic proportions. I was sent to influence the king to save my people.
King Xerxes invited me to approach his throne. I did as he asked then bowed. He extended his scepter to me and I placed my hand on the tip, so happy to be able to speak to a man of such power.
He asked me to tell him my request. The poor man. Is that all people did? They only came to him to ask for things. Didn't anyone ever come for any other reason? When these thoughts came to me I realized I should not blurt out what that evil Haman had done. Not yet.
I was nervous but didn't want to make him feel bad. I closed my eyes and slowly drew in air and let it fall back out my lips. I looked at him and smiled.
He smiled back at me.
I said, "If it pleases the king, let the king, together with Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for him." It may sound weird to speak like that, but I was expected to say words that way to the king.
His eyes widened and he pressed his hand on his chest. "Really? You're inviting me to a banquet?" His surprise made me happy. It was like he was saying...you don't want me to give you something? You're not here to gain anything? You just want me...me to join you for a meal? His excitement continued when he called for his servants. "Bring Haman at once," he said to them. "Bring him so that we may do what Esther asks."
If ever a king could feel like a little boy, pleased with a gift, this was it.
And God is the one who gave me the ideas. I am so very thankful.
...come back to read what happens next.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version
1. What power did the king of Babylon have?
2. What happened that made the king smile?
3. Why did Esther feel sorry for the king?
4. What did she decide not to say right away?
5. What did Esther ask?
6. How did they king respond? Why did he do that?
2. What happened that made the king smile?
3. Why did Esther feel sorry for the king?
4. What did she decide not to say right away?
5. What did Esther ask?
6. How did they king respond? Why did he do that?
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