“Let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” (Est. 5:8)
Expanded Passage: Esther 5:6-9
When my husband was in high school, he worked a summer job on third shift. One evening he planned to get together with some friends, and as he was leaving the house his parents reminded him about curfew. Not wanting to be disrespectful, but also not wanting to be home when his friends were still having fun, he politely asked, “So I can work through the night, but I have to be home by ten on my day off?” Realizing the inconsistency, his parents agreed to extend the curfew.
In today’s passage, Esther served a banquet for the men responsible for the evil facing her family and her people. With the food prepared and the table set, she began her request. But instead of revealing her purpose for the gathering, she invited the king and Haman to yet another banquet. Perhaps she sensed it wasn’t the right time, or maybe this was her plan all along. Either way, she chose to show honor and respect to these men and their positions despite the violence they had decreed.
When facing inconsistency or injustice in any context, it can be tempting to lash out and antagonistically demand change. Esther demonstrated a more peaceful approach. She chose to show respect and honor toward the enemies of her people, and in the end, it was her patient demeanor that brought about the desired outcome.
Respond with love and respect to the unfairness you are facing.
Samantha Freds is an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church. She enjoys being active outside and spending time with her husband and two little girls.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
