Esther 7:5 – King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Esther 7:5, King Xerxes responds to Queen Esther’s shocking revelation that her people, the Jews, have been sold into destruction. The king, outraged and likely feeling betrayed, demands to know who is responsible for this evil plan. His question, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” reveals his sense of justice and his surprise that someone close to him could plot such a heinous crime under his nose. Up to this point, King Xerxes is unaware that his trusted advisor Haman is the mastermind behind the plot. The king’s response shows that he is ready to act once the villain is identified.
Historical Context
This verse takes place in the palace of the Persian king during a banquet hosted by Queen Esther. The Jewish people were living under Persian rule, and Haman, the king’s top official, had convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree calling for the extermination of all the Jews in the empire. Haman’s hatred for the Jews stemmed from his personal grudge against Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, who refused to bow to him. The king had unknowingly sealed this decree, not realizing its full implications. In this verse, the king is still in the dark, but his reaction indicates that he is horrified by the idea of such destruction. Xerxes’ question is one of outrage and disbelief, as he demands accountability for this evil plan.
Theological Implications
Esther 7:5 demonstrates God’s justice at work. Even though God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providence is evident throughout the story. The king’s reaction shows how God uses human leaders and situations to bring about justice for His people. Theologically, this verse reminds us that God does not overlook wickedness, and He will bring about justice in His time. Although Haman’s plan was filled with malice and evil intent, God worked behind the scenes through Esther and Mordecai to expose the wickedness and protect His people.
This verse also illustrates how God can turn the hearts of rulers and those in power to act according to His will, even when they may not be aware of it. King Xerxes, though previously unaware, is now prepared to take decisive action. This reflects the biblical truth that God is ultimately in control of the hearts of kings and rulers.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, this verse is a turning point in the narrative. The tension reaches its peak as the king, unaware of Haman’s plot, demands to know who the guilty party is. The dramatic irony is strong here: the reader already knows that Haman is the villain, but King Xerxes does not. This moment sets the stage for the dramatic reveal in the next verse. The language of the king’s question—“Who is he? Where is he?”—heightens the suspense and signals that judgment is about to fall on the one responsible.
The verse also highlights the king’s position of power. He is the one asking the questions, and his tone indicates that justice will be swift once the guilty party is revealed. The king’s righteous anger contrasts with Haman’s evil intent, setting up the ultimate reversal of Haman’s fortunes.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 21:1 – “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” This verse reminds us that God directs the hearts of rulers, just as He stirred King Xerxes to seek justice in this moment.
- Psalm 37:12-13 – “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.” Haman’s wicked plot is exposed, and his day of reckoning is at hand, as God’s justice is about to be fulfilled.
- Ecclesiastes 12:14 – “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” This reflects the uncovering of Haman’s hidden evil and the justice that will soon follow.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Esther 7:5 is a reminder that justice belongs to God. Even when evil seems to go unchecked or unnoticed, God is aware of every wrong and will bring everything into light in His time. Just as King Xerxes demanded to know who was behind the evil plan against the Jews, we can trust that God sees every injustice and will hold wrongdoers accountable.
This verse also encourages us to be bold like Esther in exposing evil and standing for what is right, knowing that God’s justice will prevail. It reminds us that there is a right time for everything, and when we see wrongdoing, we should seek to address it with wisdom and courage, trusting that God is at work behind the scenes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows us that God’s love includes His desire for justice. God does not turn a blind eye to evil, and His love for His people drives Him to act against those who seek to harm them. Just as King Xerxes is moved to anger upon hearing of the plot against the Jews, God’s love compels Him to act on behalf of His people when they are threatened. God’s justice and His love are intertwined, as He works to protect and deliver those who belong to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Esther 7:5 can be connected to Jesus Christ in how it points to the theme of divine justice. Just as King Xerxes sought to right the wrong against Esther’s people, Jesus came to bring justice and redemption to the world. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus proclaims that He came to “proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Jesus stands as the ultimate defender and deliverer of those who are oppressed by sin and injustice.
Additionally, just as Esther stood in the gap for her people, revealing the evil that threatened them, Jesus intercedes on our behalf, exposing sin and delivering us from the ultimate destruction that sin brings. In Romans 8:34, we are reminded that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Jesus is our advocate, standing before the throne of God to plead on our behalf, just as Esther pleaded before the king.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the king’s reaction in this verse encourage us to trust that God sees and responds to evil in the world?
- In what ways can we be like Esther, speaking out against injustice and trusting that God will bring about justice?
- How does this verse challenge us to remember that God is in control, even when we don’t immediately see His hand at work?
- What does this verse teach us about the balance between God’s justice and His love for His people?
- How does Esther’s plea for her people reflect Jesus’ intercession for us as our Savior?
Esther 7:5 reminds us that God’s justice is sure and that He works through human leaders and situations to bring about His purposes. It encourages us to trust that, even when evil seems to prevail, God is in control, and His justice will ultimately triumph. Like Esther, we can stand firm in faith, knowing that God sees all and will act in His perfect timing.