Definition: Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 5:12. It’s a really important and dramatic moment in the story of the Jewish people during times of great danger. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Haman is plotting revenge: Haman is a powerful, scheming man who is angry at Mordecai (a Jewish man) for refusing to help him. He believes Mordecai deserved punishment. He’s trying to sabotage the banquet: Haman wants to prevent Esther from being invited to a lavish feast where the king and other important people are gathering. He wants to make sure she doesn't be seen as a threat. He’s making a deal with the King: Haman is essentially offering to help the King, in exchange for Esther being invited. This is a crucial part of his plan – he’s trying to manipulate events to his advantage. What exactly did he say? Haman says: "I said moreover, yes, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king." Let’s unpack it: “Esther the queen did let no man come in…” This means he's declaring that he is the one who will be invited. “…with the king unto the banquet…” He’s saying that he will be included in the celebration with the king and other important guests. “but myself…” This is the key part. He's boldly asserting that he is the one who is being invited. So, what does this mean? Haman is making a statement of intent – he’s saying he wants to be included in the celebration and will be the one to be invited. He's essentially declaring his intention to be a key part of the event and to cause trouble. Why is it significant? This verse is incredibly powerful because it shows: Haman’s ambition: He’s driven by a desire for power and revenge. The manipulation of events: He’s using words to control a situation, twisting the truth to his advantage. The potential for disaster: His actions are about to lead to a terrible outcome – a large-scale massacre of innocent people. In short, this verse is a warning about the dangers of evil and the importance of standing up against those who seek to cause harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss the context of Esther’s situation? Explore what this verse suggests about the role of leadership?