55
Very thoroughly the Lord had prepared the heart and mind of Ahasuerus to respond most favorably to Estherís visit. His willingness to respond in a positive manner was evident in his question to her. Even through she had not yet stated the reason for her visit, he was quick to promise to react in the affirmative, even to the dividing of the kingdom with her. What a beautiful response to prayer and fasting that was. The Lord was present with Esther, making the king more than willing, not only to show grace to her but to make a tremendous promise to her. Est. 5:3.
The wisdom of the Lord was very evident in Esther. Her ultimate request was not immediately revealed, that is a request for clemency for her people and the punishment of Haman. Instead she invited the king to have dinner with her, a banquet, which she had already prepared for the king and to be sure to bring Haman with him. The elated king called for Haman to come at once that Estherís wishes might be fulfilled. Est. 5:4-5 Do you suppose that Esther had read Proverbs 29:11 If not, she certainly knew itís message and practiced it.
Under the influence of the wine served and having been mellowed by its influence, his curiosity must have been enormous and for a second time the king asked what her request of him might be, and offered to fulfill her petition, willing to give her even up to the half of his kingdom. In the meantime all this is still a mystery to him. It is like a game of cat and mouse and she very definitely has the upper hand. Slowly but surely she is enticing him into the trap. She is making certain of his feelings toward her. If I have found favor, if the king is pleased to satisfy my desire and give me what I want. Then come again tomorrow, be sure to bring Haman, and once again I will prepare a banquet and tell the king of my request. Est 5:8 The irony of the whole matter is amazing. It proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was greatly involved in the whole setting.