Esther 7:3
Esther 7:3 in Multiple Translations
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
Then Esther the queen, answering, said, If I have your approval, O king, and if it is the king's pleasure, let my life be given to me in answer to my prayer, and my people at my request:
Queen Esther answered, “If the king looks on me favorably, and if it please Your Majesty to grant me my life, that is my request; and the lives of my people, that is what I ask.
And Ester the Queene answered, and said, If I haue found fauour in thy sight, O King, and if it please the King, let my life be giuen me at my petition, and my people at my request.
And Esther the queen answereth and saith, 'If I have found grace in thine eyes, O king, and if to the king [it be] good, let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my request;
Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it shall please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
Then she answered: If I have found Favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please thee, give me my life for which I ask, and my people for which I request.
Esther replied, “O king, if you are pleased with me, and if you are willing to do what I ask, save me, and save my people. That is what I want you to do for me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 7:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 7:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּ֨עַן
אֶסְתֵּ֤ר
הַ/מַּלְכָּה֙
וַ/תֹּאמַ֔ר
אִם
מָצָ֨אתִי
חֵ֤ן
בְּ/עֵינֶ֨י/ךָ֙
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וְ/אִם
עַל
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
ט֑וֹב
תִּנָּֽתֶן
לִ֤/י
נַפְשִׁ/י֙
בִּ/שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔/י
וְ/עַמִּ֖/י
בְּ/בַקָּשָׁתִֽ/י
וַ/תַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶסְתֵּ֤ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
Esther
N-proper
הַ/מַּלְכָּה֙
malkâh
H4436
queen
Art | N-fs
וַ/תֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
מָצָ֨אתִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
חֵ֤ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
בְּ/עֵינֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2895
be pleasing
Adj
תִּנָּֽתֶן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
לִ֤/י
Prep | Suff
נַפְשִׁ/י֙
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בִּ/שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔/י
shᵉʼêlâh
H7596
petition
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/בַקָּשָׁתִֽ/י
baqqâshâh
H1246
request
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 7:3
וַ/תַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֶסְתֵּ֤ר
ʼEçtêr
H635
"Esther"
N-proper
Esther was a brave Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, as told in the book of Esther. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai and later helped save the Jewish people from persecution.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.7; daughter of: Abihail (H0032K); also called Hadassah at Est.2.7; Also named: ha.das.sah (הֲדַסָּה "Hadassah" H1919) § Esther = "star" the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther-daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Esther. See also: Esther 2:7; Esther 5:4; Esther 9:32.
הַ/מַּלְכָּה֙
malkâh
H4436
"queen"
Art | N-fs
A queen is a female ruler of a kingdom, like the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon. The word refers to a woman with royal authority and power. It is used in the Bible to describe female monarchs.
Definition: queen Aramaic equivalent: mal.kah (מַלְכָּה "queen" H4433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: 1 Kings 10:1; Esther 5:2; Song of Solomon 6:9.
וַ/תֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
מָצָ֨אתִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
חֵ֤ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
בְּ/עֵינֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2895
"be pleasing"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means to be good or pleasing, often used to describe God's actions or human behavior. It appears in Genesis 1, where God sees that creation is good, and in Psalm 100, where the psalmist says that God is good and his love endures forever.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleasant, be delightful 1a2) to be glad, be joyful 1a3) to be better 1a4) to be well with, be good for 1a5) to be pleasing 1b) (Hiphil) to do well, do good, act right, act rightly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, [idiom] please, (be, do, go, play) well. See also: Numbers 11:18; Nehemiah 2:7; Psalms 119:68.
תִּנָּֽתֶן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֤/י
""
Prep | Suff
נַפְשִׁ/י֙
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בִּ/שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔/י
shᵉʼêlâh
H7596
"petition"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
A petition or request, this word implies something asked for or a loan. It is used to describe a request or demand made to someone, often in a formal or official setting.
Definition: 1) request, thing asked for, demand 1a) request, petition 1b) thing asked for Aramaic equivalent: she.e.la (שְׁאֵלָא "affair" H7595)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: loan, petition, request. See also: Judges 8:24; Esther 5:7; Psalms 106:15.
וְ/עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּ/בַקָּשָׁתִֽ/י
baqqâshâh
H1246
"request"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a request or petition. In 1 Samuel 1:27, Hannah makes a request to God for a son. It's also used in Psalm 106:44 where God hears the requests of his people.
Definition: request, entreaty, petition
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: request. See also: Ezra 7:6; Esther 5:8; Esther 9:12.
Study Notes — Esther 7:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 7:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 7:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 7:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 7:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 7:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 7:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 7:3
- Sermons on Esther 7:3
Context — Esther Pleads for Her People
1So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen,
2and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
3Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.
4For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” 5Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 38:26 | then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” |
| 2 | Psalms 122:6–9 | Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper. May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity. |
| 3 | Esther 7:7 | In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. |
| 4 | Job 2:4 | “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 1:13 | So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants please be precious in your sight. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 20:31 | Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” |
| 7 | Esther 4:8 | Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. |
| 8 | Esther 5:8 | If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” |
Esther 7:3 Summary
In Esther 7:3, Queen Esther is asking King Xerxes to spare her life and the lives of her people, who are in danger of being destroyed. She is showing great courage and humility by making this request, trusting that the king will have mercy on them, much like the psalmist trusted in God's mercy in Psalm 28:7. This verse reminds us that we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28, and that we should approach our circumstances with humility and dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 51:17. By praying boldly and specifically, like Queen Esther, we can trust that God will hear and answer our prayers, as promised in Jeremiah 33:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Queen Esther ask for her life and the lives of her people in Esther 7:3?
Queen Esther asked for her life and the lives of her people because she was aware of the decree issued by King Xerxes to destroy all the Jews, as seen in Esther 3:13, and she wanted to plead for their safety and protection, much like the prophet Daniel did in Daniel 6:16 when he was thrown into the lions' den.
What does it mean for Queen Esther to say 'if I have found favor in your sight, O king' in Esther 7:3?
When Queen Esther says 'if I have found favor in your sight, O king', she is expressing her hope that the king will be pleased with her and grant her request, similar to how the prophet Nehemiah prayed for favor with King Artaxerxes in Nehemiah 1:11 before making his request to rebuild Jerusalem.
How does Queen Esther's request in Esther 7:3 relate to the rest of the book of Esther?
Queen Esther's request in Esther 7:3 is a pivotal moment in the book of Esther, as it sets the stage for the king's discovery of Haman's plot and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people, fulfilling the promise of God's protection in Genesis 12:3 and echoing the theme of God's sovereignty seen in Proverbs 21:1.
What can we learn from Queen Esther's courage and humility in Esther 7:3?
We can learn from Queen Esther's courage and humility in Esther 7:3 that even in the face of great danger and uncertainty, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just as the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, and approach our circumstances with humility and dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 51:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just like Queen Esther did in Esther 7:3?
- How can I, like Queen Esther, use my position and influence to plead for the safety and protection of those around me, as seen in Esther 7:3?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate courage and humility in my own life, even in the face of uncertainty or danger, as Queen Esther did in Esther 7:3?
- How does Queen Esther's request in Esther 7:3 encourage me to pray boldly and specifically for the needs of those around me, as seen in James 5:16?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 7:3
Then Esther the queen answered and said,.... Not rolling herself at the king's knees, as Severus (f) writes; but rather, as the former Targum, lifting up her eyes to heaven, and perhaps putting up a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 7:3
So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 7:3
It is my humble and only request, that thou wouldst not give me up to the malice of that man that designs to take away my life, and will certainly do it, if thou dost not prevent it. And my people; and the lives (which is easily supplied out of the foregoing branch) of my people the Jews, of whom I am descended.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 7:3
Esther 7:3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:Ver. 3. Then Esther the queen, &c.] See Esther 5:7-8. As Abigail her family, and the woman of Abel the city, so doth Esther by her wisdom and humility deliver herself and her people, ducem sequens lucem fidei, a leader leading the light of faith, as one saith of her. Let my life be given me at my petition] Heb. my soul. See how discreetly she marshalleth her words; setting these two great requests in the head of her petition, which is simplex et non fucata, plain and downright. Truth is like our first parents, most beautiful when naked. Our words in prayer must be neque lecta, neque neglecta, neither curious nor careless; but as the words of petitioners, plain and full and direct to the point. Esther reckoneth herself here among the rest of her poor countrymen, free among the dead, free of that company, and begs for her life and theirs together; because hers was even bound up in theirs. Mortis habet vices quae trahitur vita genuitibus; to live after their death would be a lifeless life; and hence her importunity for both together, since they were in her heart, ad commoriendum et convivendum, if they died she could not live. Good blood will not belie itself.
Esther had not showed her kindred and people till now that she must appear for them. See the like in Moses, Hebrews 11:25; in Nicodemus, that night-bird; John 7:51, he speaks boldly, and silences the whole company; John 19:39, he boldly beggeth the body of Jesus; neither could he any longer conceal himself. Surely, as Solomon by trial found out the true harlot mother, so doth God by hard times discover the affections of his people. Then, as Joseph could not refrain tears, so nor they the exercise of their faith and charity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 7:3
Verse 3. Let my life be given me] This was very artfully, as well as very honestly, managed; and was highly calculated to work on the feelings of the king. What! is the life of the queen, whom I most tenderly love, in any kind of danger?
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 7:3
3. My life… my people — Esther has had time to carefully prepare her words, and her earnest language rises to the emotionality of poetic parallelisms.
Sermons on Esther 7:3
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Rome or Zion? by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the slaughter of a pig and a lamb side by side. This experience taught the speaker about the importance of tr |
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Anti Semitism: A Little Considered Root by Art Katz | Art Katz discusses the roots of anti-Semitism, suggesting that it stems from a failure of the Jewish people to fulfill their divine calling to be a blessing to the nations. He emph |
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Prayer for Peace by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of praying for the peace and prosperity of the cities and nations where believers reside, as highlighted in Jeremiah 29:7. He urges Christia |
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The Pentecostal Church by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches about the true nature of the Church of Christ, emphasizing the importance of being a part of a genuine New Testament church built on the foundation of faith i |
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A History of the Life and Actions of the Very Reverend Dr. Martin Luther - Part 1 by Philip Melancthon | Philip Melancthon recounts the life and actions of the very reverend Dr. Martin Luther, highlighting his upbringing, education, entry into monastic life, and his pivotal role in th |
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Letters: Mr. Wikinson at the Mildmay Mission to the Jews (1) by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar shares a letter to Mr. Wilkinson, expressing gratitude for the positive impact of Mr. Baron's visit to a gathering of Jews. He notes the stirring of interest among the |
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Zechariah 10:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the Mid-East crisis through the lens of Zechariah 10:9, emphasizing that he is pro-Jesus and not anti-Arab or anti-American. He outlines God's promises to Abr |