THEOSISRabanus Maurus
On the second day of the feast, Haman is once more invited; however, when Esther reveals her plea, he faces condemnation and is led to his execution. This situation is likened in the Gospel to both a meal and a feast arranged by an individual. The meal symbolizes the present Church, while the feast represents the eternal banquet, where the righteous will celebrate in the presence of their Creator after being separated from sinners. Haman, as the spiritual adversary of God’s people, lacked the garment of love necessary to partake in the king's feast and thus recognized the king's anger.
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In a desperate attempt to escape his fate, he rushed to the palace garden, a metaphor for calling the chosen to the joys of paradise, while seeking mercy from the queen; alas, it was too late for such appeals. When punishment and judgment are imminent, it is futile to seek salvation. This echoes the parable in the Gospel of the bridegroom's arrival, where the foolish virgins request oil from the wise to revive their lamps, yet they receive none. After the bridegroom and the wise virgins have entered the wedding banquet, the doors are closed, and the foolish virgins outside plead to be admitted, but their requests go unanswered; their opportunity for grace has passed, for they failed to seek it through their good actions (Matthew 25:1-13). Those who disregard the Lord’s commands cannot expect to receive what they wish from Him. Similarly, those who neglect the chance for repentance will find their pleas at the gates of the kingdom unheeded. The Lord, through Solomon, declares: I called, and you did not listen; I extended my hand, but no one heeded; you disregarded all my counsel and spurned my reproof. Therefore, I will laugh at your calamity; I will delight when disaster strikes you; when destruction sweeps over you like a storm, and anguish comes upon you like a whirlwind; when distress and trouble confront you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me early, but will not find me (Proverbs 1:24-28).