Lexical Summary yashat: To set, to place, to put Original Word: יָשַׁט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hold out A primitive root; to extend -- hold out. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to extend, hold out NASB Translation extended (2), holds (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יָשַׁט] verb only Hiph`il imperfect extend, hold out (late) (Late Hebrew Hiph`il id.; Aramaic Aph`el אוֺשֵׁיט, Topical Lexicon Range of Meaning and Narrative SettingThe verb describes a deliberate motion of extending or stretching forth the royal scepter, and appears exclusively in the Book of Esther (4:11; 5:2; 8:4). Each occurrence takes place in the Persian throne room and frames the pivotal moments when Esther risks her life to petition the king. The action transforms the potentially lethal approach to the monarch into an invitation to speak, shifting the atmosphere from judgment to grace. Royal Protocol and Mercy Under Persian law unbidden entrance before the king normally resulted in death, “unless the king extends the golden scepter” (Esther 4:11). By portraying this gesture three times, the narrative highlights how divine providence works through royal custom. The extension of the scepter neither undermines the irrevocability of Persian law nor contradicts it; rather, it functions as a legal remedy pre-written into court protocol. In this way the text stresses both the certainty of law and the availability of mercy—concepts later fulfilled and harmonized in the gospel. Covenant Echoes Stretching forth the scepter recalls earlier biblical scenes in which a leader’s outstretched staff signals divine intervention (for example, Exodus 14:16; Joshua 8:18). Within Esther the king’s gesture becomes the means through which God preserves the covenant people in exile. Although the divine Name is absent from the book, the repeated use of the verb marks invisible providence: the scepter is extended precisely when needed, sustaining the line that would ultimately produce the Messiah. Intercessory Paradigm Esther’s advance exemplifies bold yet submissive intercession. She stands at risk, waits for the scepter, and then “touched the tip” (Esther 5:2), a posture of humility that receives favor. The verb therefore embodies the moment where human petition is met by sovereign grace. Ministry application follows naturally: • Prayer—Believers approach the heavenly throne through Christ’s finished work, anticipating that the greater King will likewise “extend” welcome (Hebrews 4:16). • Pastoral Care—Leaders imitate the royal gesture when they deliberately make space for the hurting to draw near, offering access without compromising holiness. Christological Foreshadowing Psalm 110:2 speaks of the Messiah’s scepter: “The LORD will extend Your mighty scepter from Zion.” The physical act in Esther prefigures that prophetic promise. Just as Xerxes’ extended scepter spared Esther and her people, the exalted Christ stretches forth His authority to grant life. The verbal parallel underscores continuity between Old Testament narrative and New Testament fulfillment. Missional Implications The exclusivity of the verb to a foreign court reminds the church that God governs beyond Israel’s geographical borders. His saving purposes penetrate imperial structures and cultures. Modern missions can therefore trust that divine favor may emerge in unlikely political settings. Devotional Reflection The scene invites personal examination: Do we perceive the outstretched scepter in our moments of fear? The verb calls worshippers to move from hesitation outside the throne room to confident approach, assured that the King delights to extend welcome at the critical hour. Summary Throughout Esther the simple motion of extending the scepter captures a theology of access—law balanced by mercy, sovereignty paired with human courage, and earthly authority serving heavenly purpose. The word’s limited yet strategic use secures Israel’s survival, anticipates the Messiah’s rule, and instructs believers in prayerful boldness today. Forms and Transliterations וַיּ֤וֹשֶׁט וַיּ֨וֹשֶׁט ויושט יֽוֹשִׁיט־ יושיט־ vaiYooshet way·yō·wō·šeṭ wayyōwōšeṭ yō·wō·šîṭ- yoshit yōwōšîṭ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 4:11 HEB: לְ֠בַד מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר יֽוֹשִׁיט־ ל֥וֹ הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ NAS: the king holds out to him the golden KJV: such to whom the king shall hold out the golden INT: except who holds the king scepter Esther 5:2 Esther 8:4 3 Occurrences |
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id.; ? Assyrian aš‰u, extended, mighty LyonSargontexte 60 DlHWB 144; Arabic 
is penetrate into the middle of) — יוֺשִׁיט שַׁרְבִיט הַזָּהָב לְ