Esther 4:10-17

“Then Esther replied to Hathach with instructions for Mordecai: “All the servants of the king and the people of the king’s provinces know that there is only one law applicable to any man or woman who comes uninvited to the king in the inner court – that person will be put to death, unless the king extends to him the gold scepter, permitting him to be spared. Now I have not been invited to come to the king for some thirty days!” When Esther’s reply was conveyed to Mordecai, he said to take back this answer to Esther: “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don’t eat and don’t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish!” So Mordecai set out to do everything that Esther had instructed him.”

— ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭17‬‬

 I haven’t researched the customs of Persia beyond what Esther says here. It would be intriguing to read stories of kings accepting or rejecting the entrance of people with the scepter. This also lends credibility to the idea that Xerxes was not the best husband (just ask Vashti). I’ll wait until I discuss chapter one to rethink the “beauty pageant,” but the fact that he hasn’t asked to see his wife for 30 days shows what sort of arrangement this is. Definitely not the tender loving man, building a relationship that many young women desire. (Who knows what other women have entered his life for various reasons?)

4:14 is one of the most popular verses in Christian culture, and “such a time as this” has turned into Christianese at this point. There’s some debate regarding what Mordecai was referencing with “some other source/place.” Could be just a generic reference to God’s sovereignty—He can do anything. Some think it’s Jewish leadership or a revolt. I would think a religious person like Mordecai would steer clear of revolution or fighting for deliverance. (Of course, that is the solution at the end—self-defense, so apparently, there were enough Jews with weapons to deter Persians from annihilating them.)

The king’s command would eventually apply to Esther. She would die, because she would not be able to hide her ethnicity forever. 

“Who knows” is similar to Jonah 3 when the king questions if God’s decree on Nineveh would be conditional on their repentance or not. It’s worth a shot. Who knows? Mordecai is just throwing out the possibility. A lot has happened to bring Esther into the king’s palace…some of it bad, some of it horrific and tragic. Mordecai’s response is maybe all of this happened to save the lives of all the people.

It is a testament to faith, and we can certainly see sovereignty throughout. But this is also an example where narratives need to be heavily considered before brought over into modern life. Do I believe in sovereignty? More than many things. Do I know Romans 8:28? Yes (including vv 29-30). But if I’m talking to someone who has endured similar things to Esther, even achieving greatness in the midst of them, I will hesitate to say, “This or that is why God allowed tragedy to affect you. OR This path has led to this because God ordained/orchestrated it to happen just like this.” 

All things happen for a reason? Maybe, maybe not. I learned in my language studies that “reason,” can be backward looking (cause) or forward looking (goal). And I’m not in a position to nail down either one through logic or experience. Believing in sovereignty doesn’t give me authority to lay out exactly why things happened in His plan.

Evil is evil. Period. This world is filled with chaos and pain. “Reason” may not the best word for it. But I do know that God can use our chaos for good and His glory. (Obviously the debate wages why He would allow all the evil and suffering to begin with.)

Esther’s response is to fast and pray. All the Jews in the city do the same. Then she will enter the king with her life literally on the line. That’s courage. Faith. 

She is a tremendous example, even if my circumstances look way different. My language when discussing these things, though, needs to reflect my culture/beliefs/situation not her narrative.