Esther 5–6 shows us what happens after Esther decides to act.

In chapter 4, Esther said:

“If I perish, I perish!”

Now she must actually walk into the king’s presence.

Chapter 5 shows courage joined with wisdom.

Esther does not panic.

She does not immediately reveal everything.

She approaches the king carefully.

She invites the king and Haman to a banquet.

Then she invites them to another banquet.

Meanwhile, Haman leaves the palace full of pride.

But the sight of Mordecai ruins his happiness.

His wife and friends encourage him to build a gallows and ask the king to execute Mordecai.

Then chapter 6 brings one of the great reversals in Scripture.

The king cannot sleep.

The royal records are read.

Mordecai’s earlier act of faithfulness is discovered.