Post date: Mar 03, 2017 4:2:38 AM
“Ma She’eilaseich”
What is your request?
(5:6)
When Esther approaches Achashveirosh uninvited (5:3), he asks her, “What is it for you?” Then, at the first party, he asks her, “What is your request?” What is the difference between these two queries?
R’ Shmuel di Uzida explains that when Achashveirosh saw Esther approaching him in her weak, ill state due to her fasting, he was concerned and asked her, “What is it for you,” a question made in a general manner towards her about that very moment. At that point he assumed that she had a personal need to ask of him. But once they were at the party, he realized that her request was more likely related to something specific that was weighing on her mind. So he asked her about her request that she surely was contemplating.
When Achashveirosh asked Esther at the time she approached him, “Ma lach” (What is it for you), he ended his query with, “V’yinasein lach” (and it shall be granted to you). The Malbim points out (not very dissimilar to the previous explanation) that he was telling her that he was willing to grant a personal request of hers—something meant specifically for her—indicated by the word “Lach” (to you). This was a different level of generosity than was expressed at Esther’s first party. When he said, “Ma she’eilaseich” (What is your request), he demonstrated his willingness to entertain requests related to political matters or public needs as indicated by the less personal promise of “V’sei’as” (and it shall be fulfilled).
[Megillas Esther: The Answer Is..., p. 154]
“Ma she’eilaseich…u’ma bakashaseich”
What is your request…and what is your petition?
(5:6)
When Esther approaches Achashveirosh uninvited, he uses language that seems to be redundant. Assuming that this is not really the case, what is the difference between a “She’eila” and a “Bakasha?”
While both types of requests are made for the ultimate benefit of the requestor, the Melo Ha’omer tells us that each one impacts the giver differently. He explains that a “She’eila” is a request that does not detract from the giver in any way, while a “Bakasha” does in fact cause some amount of loss to the giver. To that end, when Achashveirosh asked Esther about her “She’eila,” he added, “V’yinasein lach,” that he would grant her request. After all, there would be no impact to him, so why shouldn’t he blindly offer to fulfill such a request. But when he asked about her “Bakasha,” he stipulated that there would be a limitation of “Ad chatzi hamalchus v’sei’as,” that she wasn’t being given a blank check. He offered her as much as half the kingdom, and he would gladly fulfill her request. But there was a limit to what she would be granted.
The Megilas Sesarim explains a little differently; that a “She’eila” is a request made for oneself. If Esther had a personal need, no problem! The answer is, “Yes!” even before the request is made. However, a “Bakasha” is a request made on behalf of others. Such a request Achashveirosh wasn’t ready to grant without limit.
[Megillas Esther: The Answer Is..., p. 155]