Context No. 4092 of 4322 · Esther (Greek)

Esther (Greek) 4:15-27: in context

15And Esther sent the messenger who came to her to Mordecai, saying, 16“Go and assemble the Jews that are in Susa, and all of you fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night and day. My maidens and I will also fast. Then I will go in to the king contrary to the law, even if I must die.” 17So Mordecai went and did all that Esther commanded him. 18[He prayed to the Lord, making mention of all the works of the Lord. 19He said, “Lord God, you are king ruling over all, for all things are in your power, and there is no one who can oppose you in your purpose to save Israel; 20for you have made the sky and the earth and every wonderful thing under the sky. 21You are Lord of all, and there is no one who can resist you, Lord. 22You know all things. You know, Lord, that it is not in insolence, nor arrogance, nor love of glory, that I have done this, to refuse to bow down to the arrogant Haman. 23For I would gladly have kissed the soles of his feet for the safety of Israel. 24But I have done this that I might not set the glory of man above the glory of God. I will not worship anyone except you, my Lord, and I will not do these things in arrogance. 25And now, O Lord God, the King, the God of Abraham, spare your people, for our enemies are planning our destruction, and they have desired to destroy your ancient inheritance. 26Do not overlook your people, whom you have redeemed for yourself out of the land of Egypt. 27Listen to my prayer. Have mercy on your inheritance and turn our mourning into gladness, that we may live and sing praise to your name, O Lord. Don’t utterly destroy the mouth of those who praise you, O Lord.”

Facing the threat of her people's destruction, and knowing that to approach the king unbidden could cost her life, Esther makes a courageous resolve. Gather all the Jews, she tells Mordecai, and fast for me for three days; I and my maids will fast as well. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.

Her decision is one of self-sacrificing courage: she will risk her life to plead for her people. But notice that her resolve is joined with fasting and, as the fuller account records, with earnest prayer, casting the whole matter on God, in whose hand all things lie. Two things stand out. Esther's courage. She was willing to risk everything, even her life, for the sake of her people. And her dependence on God. She did not simply rely on her own boldness or cleverness; she called for fasting and prayer, seeking God's help before she acted. Her courage and her dependence on God went together. Like Esther, we are sometimes called to act with courage, even at great risk, for what is right, while joining our resolve with prayer.

When I face a costly decision that calls for courage, do I, like Esther, resolve to do what is right even at great risk, while joining my resolve with prayer, seeking God's help and casting the outcome on him?

Sources

Esther 4:16: "Go and assemble the Jews... and all of you fast for me... Then I will go in to the king contrary to the law, even if I must die."
Esther 4:19: "Lord God, you are king ruling over all, for all things are in your power, and there is no one who can oppose you."
Esther 4:17: "So Mordecai went and did all that Esther commanded him."