This verse from Esther Greek 5:2 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Esther. Let's break it down:
"And having raised the golden sceptre he laid it upon her neck...": In the Persian court, approaching the king unsummoned was a capital offense. The king's raising of the golden scepter and extending it towards Esther was a sign of royal favor. Touching the scepter meant her life was spared and she was granted permission to speak.
"...and embraced her, and said, Speak to me.": This shows the king's acceptance and perhaps even affection for Esther. He's inviting her to share what's on her mind.
"And she said to him, I saw you, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of your glory; for you, my lord, are to be wondered at, and your face is full of grace.": This is Esther's carefully crafted address to the king.
She uses flattery and reverence: Comparing him to an angel of God and emphasizing his glory is a strategic move to appeal to his vanity and power.
She expresses fear and humility: Admitting to being troubled by his presence and acknowledging his wonder and grace makes her seem submissive and respectful.
She's building suspense: Instead of immediately revealing her request, she's setting the stage and carefully preparing the king's heart to be receptive to what she's about to say.
"And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell.": This is a dramatic turn. There are several possible interpretations of her fainting:
Genuine fear and anxiety: Esther was risking her life, and the stress of approaching the king, combined with the weight of her mission, could have overwhelmed her.
A calculated move: Some scholars suggest that the fainting could be a strategic ploy to further gain the king's sympathy and attention. It forces him to be concerned for her well-being and perhaps makes him even more inclined to grant her request.
A combination of both: It's possible that Esther was genuinely fearful and anxious, but also subconsciously used the fainting to her advantage.
"Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.": The king's concern shows that Esther's approach has worked. His emotional state is shifting from potentially hostile to compassionate. The servants attending to her further emphasize the gravity of the situation and the king's concern.
In summary, this verse depicts a critical moment where Esther uses a combination of flattery, reverence, and perhaps calculated drama to win the king's favor before revealing her true purpose. The fainting scene adds intrigue and effectively garners the king's sympathy, setting the stage for her to ultimately plead for the lives of her people. The verse highlights Esther's cunning and bravery, and also the power dynamics at play in the Persian court.
This verse from Esther Greek 5:2 describes a pivotal moment in the story of Esther. Let's break it down:
"And having raised the golden sceptre he laid it upon her neck...": In the Persian court, approaching the king unsummoned was a capital offense. The king's raising of the golden scepter and extending it towards Esther was a sign of royal favor. Touching the scepter meant her life was spared and she was granted permission to speak.
"...and embraced her, and said, Speak to me.": This shows the king's acceptance and perhaps even affection for Esther. He's inviting her to share what's on her mind.
"And she said to him, I saw you, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of your glory; for you, my lord, are to be wondered at, and your face is full of grace.": This is Esther's carefully crafted address to the king.
She uses flattery and reverence: Comparing him to an angel of God and emphasizing his glory is a strategic move to appeal to his vanity and power.
She expresses fear and humility: Admitting to being troubled by his presence and acknowledging his wonder and grace makes her seem submissive and respectful.
She's building suspense: Instead of immediately revealing her request, she's setting the stage and carefully preparing the king's heart to be receptive to what she's about to say.
"And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell.": This is a dramatic turn. There are several possible interpretations of her fainting:
Genuine fear and anxiety: Esther was risking her life, and the stress of approaching the king, combined with the weight of her mission, could have overwhelmed her.
A calculated move: Some scholars suggest that the fainting could be a strategic ploy to further gain the king's sympathy and attention. It forces him to be concerned for her well-being and perhaps makes him even more inclined to grant her request.
A combination of both: It's possible that Esther was genuinely fearful and anxious, but also subconsciously used the fainting to her advantage.
"Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.": The king's concern shows that Esther's approach has worked. His emotional state is shifting from potentially hostile to compassionate. The servants attending to her further emphasize the gravity of the situation and the king's concern.
In summary, this verse depicts a critical moment where Esther uses a combination of flattery, reverence, and perhaps calculated drama to win the king's favor before revealing her true purpose. The fainting scene adds intrigue and effectively garners the king's sympathy, setting the stage for her to ultimately plead for the lives of her people. The verse highlights Esther's cunning and bravery, and also the power dynamics at play in the Persian court.