Esther 5
Introduction
Esther 5 captures one of the most tense and pivotal moments in the book. Esther has not seen the king for thirty days. She knows that approaching him uninvited could cost her life. Yet she has resolved, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). After three days of fasting and prayer with her people, she puts on her royal robes and stands in the inner court. What unfolds is a beautiful display of courage, wisdom, and God’s quiet providence.
This chapter teaches us how to be used for good instead of being used for evil. In a compromising culture, we are all being pulled in two directions. Esther shows us the path of faith, while Haman shows us the path of self-destruction. Being used for good means trusting God’s timing, using our influence for blessing rather than selfishness, and remembering that our significance comes from Christ alone.
1) How to Be Used for Good (5:1-8)
Esther approaches the king with courage and wisdom. She does four key things that show us how to be useful to God:
a. Have faith in salvation (v. 1) Esther puts on her royal robes and stands in the inner court. She is acting on the faith that God has placed her in this position “for such a time as this.” Faith in God’s saving power gives us the courage to move forward even when the outcome is uncertain (Hebrews 11:1; Esther 4:16).
b. Watch God’s work being done (v. 2) The king extends his golden scepter, and Esther is welcomed. She does not rush in with demands. She watches and waits for God to open the door. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is pause and observe how God is already at work (Psalm 46:10; Proverbs 3:5-6).
c. Bless others instead of keeping it for yourself (v. 3) The king offers Esther up to half the kingdom. Instead of immediately asking for her own safety, she invites the king and Haman to a banquet. She uses her favor to create space for God’s plan rather than grasping for personal security. Good friends and faithful servants bless others first (Philippians 2:3-4).
d. Use your brain (vv. 4-8) Esther does not blurt out her request. She delays, invites them to a second banquet, and waits for the right moment. She is strategic and wise. God does not ask us to check our minds at the door. He calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). Wisdom and faith work together.
2) How to Be Used for Evil (5:9-14)
In stark contrast, Haman leaves the banquet “happy and in high spirits” because of the honor he received—until he sees Mordecai at the king’s gate, who still refuses to bow. Haman’s pride turns to rage. His wife and friends advise him to build a seventy-five-foot gallows and ask the king to hang Mordecai on it the next day. Haman’s life illustrates the opposite of godly character:
He lets his emotions rule him (v. 9).
He thinks highly of himself (vv. 10-13).
He surrounds himself with bad company that feeds his pride (v. 14).
He forgets that all life is precious and plots murder without remorse.
Pride always paves the way to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Haman’s story warns us that when we live for our own glory, we become tools in the enemy’s hands.
Application
Esther 5 challenges us to examine how we are being used. Are we being used for good or for evil?
God has placed you where you are for a reason. You can choose to:
Walk in faith and courage like Esther, using your influence to bless others and advance God’s purposes, or
Walk in pride and selfishness like Haman, letting emotions, ego, and bad company lead you toward destruction.
The difference is simple: Esther trusted God’s timing and acted with wisdom for the good of her people. Haman trusted his own importance and acted for his own glory.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I using my position, relationships, or opportunities to bless others or to serve myself?
Am I willing to risk comfort or reputation to obey God?
Am I surrounding myself with people who encourage godliness or feed my pride?
Jesus is the perfect example. He used His position not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Let us follow Him. Let us be used for good, not for evil. Let us live with courage, wisdom, and humility, knowing that God is still at work in our generation.
Small Group Questions
· Can you think of a time when God called you to do something, but you were full of fear and not faith?
· Are there any ways where you are currently hesitating to obey the Lord because of fear?
· Do you have someone like Mordecai whose faith spurs you on to do the right thing even when it’s hard?
· Are you amazed that God will ALWAYS welcome you into His presence?
For Further Study
Read Esther 5 alongside Romans 8:28 and Esther 4:14 (“for such a time as this”) to see God’s providence at work.
Study Joshua 1:9 and 2 Timothy 1:7 for encouragement when fear tries to paralyze us.
Meditate on Hebrews 4:16 to remember that we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.
