Esther’s story is told in the book of Esther
Who is Esther?
- Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the city of Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire.
- Her Hebrew name is Hadassah.
- Becomes the Queen of Persia by marrying King Xerxes (Ahasuerus).
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Courage: Risks her life to approach the king uninvited, an act that could have led to her execution.
- Wisdom: Devises a plan to invite the king and Haman, the enemy plotting against the Jews, to a banquet, rather than directly accusing Haman.
- Faith: Calls for fasting and prayer among her people before making her daring move.
- Leadership: Effectively communicates and unifies her people in a foreign land.
- Savior of her People: Successfully thwarts Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jewish people living in Persia.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Initial Reluctance: Hesitates when Mordecai initially suggests that she intervene on behalf of the Jews.
- Identity Concealment: Keeps her Jewish identity a secret until she absolutely has to reveal it. This could be viewed as both a strategic move and a weakness, depending on interpretation.
Lessons from Her Life
- The Importance of Timing: Esther teaches us the value of waiting for the right moment to act.
- Stand for Justice: Regardless of our position or status, we are called to stand against injustice.
- Faith and Action: Her story tells us that faith in God should be complemented by courageous action.
Key Verses (NIV)
- Esther 4:14 – “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
- Esther 4:16 – “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”