This passage from Esther Greek 5:1 (which corresponds to Esther 5:1-2 in the Hebrew Bible but with some added details and elaboration) describes Esther's highly risky and dramatic entrance before King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I of Persia) to plead for her people. Let's break it down:
Preparation and Appearance: Esther is carefully presented as a woman of great beauty and courage, acting in a very strategic way. She's moved to action as a result of prayer. After ceasing her prayer, she replaces her plain or mournful attire ("mean dress") with her finest clothing ("glorious apparel"). The phrase "splendidly arrayed" emphasizes her beauty and regal bearing. This is a calculated move to appeal to the king's favor and senses.
Ritual and Appeal to God: She calls upon God, using titles that emphasize God's power and providence ("Overseer and Preserver of all things"). This underscores that her actions are not merely based on her own beauty or cunning, but on divine guidance and hope.
Support and Display of Weakness: She takes two maids with her, leaning on one. This is a calculated display of "delicate female" nature. While she is brave, she also uses the perceived weakness of her position as a woman to appeal to the king's protection and compassion. The maid carrying her train further accentuates her status and the formality of the occasion.
Internal Conflict: "Her face was cheerful, and it were benevolent, but her heart was straitened for fear" captures the internal conflict Esther is facing. She appears outwardly confident and gracious, but inwardly she is terrified of the potential consequences of approaching the king unbidden. This highlights her bravery and the immense pressure she is under.
The King's Reaction: The description of the king is imposing. He's described as "very terrible" and resplendent in his royal attire, emphasizing his power and authority. His initial reaction is fierce anger ("looked with intense anger"). Approaching the king without being summoned was a crime punishable by death. Esther's immediate reaction is to faint ("changed her color as she fainted"), demonstrating the fear and danger she faced.
Divine Intervention and Transformation: "But God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness..." This is the pivotal point of the story. The narrative credits God with influencing the king's heart. The king's transformation is sudden and dramatic. He rushes to her, comforts her, and reassures her that she will not die.
Words of Reassurance: The king's words, "What is the matter, Esther? I am your brother; be of good cheer, you shall not die, for our command is openly declared to you, Draw near," are significant. He calls her "sister" (a sign of affection and perhaps royal kinship, possibly a metaphorical term emphasizing his protection), emphasizing his desire to protect her. He also asserts that she is exempt from the law forbidding uninvited audiences ("our command is openly declared to you, Draw near"). This shows that she is in favor, for the moment.
In summary, this passage highlights:
The importance of prayer: Esther's actions are preceded by prayer, underscoring the role of faith in the story.
Esther's courage and strategic thinking: She uses her beauty, position, and a carefully crafted appearance to appeal to the king. She knows how to navigate the court's customs and protocols.
The king's absolute power: The king's initial anger underscores the danger Esther faces.
Divine intervention: The narrative attributes the king's change of heart to God's influence, emphasizing the importance of faith and providence.
The themes of risk, sacrifice, and hope: Esther is willing to risk her life for her people.
This passage is a key moment in the Book of Esther, setting the stage for the unfolding drama and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. The added details in the Greek version embellish the drama and emphasize the importance of Esther's beauty, courage, and faith in God.
This passage from Esther Greek 5:1 (which corresponds to Esther 5:1-2 in the Hebrew Bible but with some added details and elaboration) describes Esther's highly risky and dramatic entrance before King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I of Persia) to plead for her people. Let's break it down:
Preparation and Appearance: Esther is carefully presented as a woman of great beauty and courage, acting in a very strategic way. She's moved to action as a result of prayer. After ceasing her prayer, she replaces her plain or mournful attire ("mean dress") with her finest clothing ("glorious apparel"). The phrase "splendidly arrayed" emphasizes her beauty and regal bearing. This is a calculated move to appeal to the king's favor and senses.
Ritual and Appeal to God: She calls upon God, using titles that emphasize God's power and providence ("Overseer and Preserver of all things"). This underscores that her actions are not merely based on her own beauty or cunning, but on divine guidance and hope.
Support and Display of Weakness: She takes two maids with her, leaning on one. This is a calculated display of "delicate female" nature. While she is brave, she also uses the perceived weakness of her position as a woman to appeal to the king's protection and compassion. The maid carrying her train further accentuates her status and the formality of the occasion.
Internal Conflict: "Her face was cheerful, and it were benevolent, but her heart was straitened for fear" captures the internal conflict Esther is facing. She appears outwardly confident and gracious, but inwardly she is terrified of the potential consequences of approaching the king unbidden. This highlights her bravery and the immense pressure she is under.
The King's Reaction: The description of the king is imposing. He's described as "very terrible" and resplendent in his royal attire, emphasizing his power and authority. His initial reaction is fierce anger ("looked with intense anger"). Approaching the king without being summoned was a crime punishable by death. Esther's immediate reaction is to faint ("changed her color as she fainted"), demonstrating the fear and danger she faced.
Divine Intervention and Transformation: "But God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness..." This is the pivotal point of the story. The narrative credits God with influencing the king's heart. The king's transformation is sudden and dramatic. He rushes to her, comforts her, and reassures her that she will not die.
Words of Reassurance: The king's words, "What is the matter, Esther? I am your brother; be of good cheer, you shall not die, for our command is openly declared to you, Draw near," are significant. He calls her "sister" (a sign of affection and perhaps royal kinship, possibly a metaphorical term emphasizing his protection), emphasizing his desire to protect her. He also asserts that she is exempt from the law forbidding uninvited audiences ("our command is openly declared to you, Draw near"). This shows that she is in favor, for the moment.
In summary, this passage highlights:
The importance of prayer: Esther's actions are preceded by prayer, underscoring the role of faith in the story.
Esther's courage and strategic thinking: She uses her beauty, position, and a carefully crafted appearance to appeal to the king. She knows how to navigate the court's customs and protocols.
The king's absolute power: The king's initial anger underscores the danger Esther faces.
Divine intervention: The narrative attributes the king's change of heart to God's influence, emphasizing the importance of faith and providence.
The themes of risk, sacrifice, and hope: Esther is willing to risk her life for her people.
This passage is a key moment in the Book of Esther, setting the stage for the unfolding drama and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. The added details in the Greek version embellish the drama and emphasize the importance of Esther's beauty, courage, and faith in God.