Esther 7:2 - The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”

Generated Verse: Esther 7:2

What does "Esther 7:2" mean?


This verse from Esther 7:2 is a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, and it highlights the king's deep affection for and trust in his wife, Esther. Let's break down what it means:

"The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine..." This is important because Esther had already hosted one banquet for the king and Haman (Esther 5). This is the second banquet, implying that something momentous is about to happen, and it allows for heightened drama. The mention of "wine" is a common feature of royal feasts and suggests a relaxed, celebratory, and perhaps more unguarded atmosphere.

"What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you." The king's repetition from Esther 5:6 shows his continued generosity and desire to please his queen. He is essentially giving her carte blanche, an open invitation to ask for anything she desires.

"What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed." This is hyperbole, an exaggeration to emphasize the king's willingness to give Esther whatever she wants. It's unlikely he would actually give away half his kingdom, but it shows the extent of his favor. This wasn't just a polite offer; it was a royal promise backed by the full authority of the king.

In essence, this verse signifies:

The king's immense favor towards Esther: He trusts and cherishes her greatly, offering her an extraordinary level of power.
A crucial opportunity for Esther: This is her moment to reveal her true identity and plea for her people's salvation. The king's promise creates the perfect setting for her to expose Haman's evil plot.
Dramatic tension: The verse builds anticipation. The reader knows something big is about to be revealed, and the king's emphatic promise raises the stakes even higher.

This verse sets the stage for the climax of the story, where Esther will finally unveil Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people and reveal her own Jewish heritage. The king's offer is the catalyst that allows Esther to save her people from destruction.

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