We read in Romans 15:4: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The ancient story of Esther falls into the category of something that has been “written in earlier times.” Because it was written for our instruction, we can be sure that there are lessons to be learned and principles to be drawn from the section of the account we are now examining. Not only is the plot thickening, intensity is mounting. The Jews, of whom the queen was a part, were being told that their days were numbered. An edict had been declared that within a few months, all Jews would be killed. The word had quickly spread throughout the Persian Empire. The immediate question was not that difficult to articulate: “What should be done?” Better still: “What could be done, since the plan for extermination was now set in motion?” If ever there was a time for clear-thinking, courageous action, it was that moment. But how? The game plan that evolved was nothing short of remarkable. As we shall see, it called for one person to stand alone in the gap. You guessed it: Esther was the one to do just that.

Esther 4

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