This verse (Esther 4:16) is a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, demonstrating Esther's bravery and faith as she prepares to risk her life for her people. Let's break down the meaning:
"Go and assemble the Jews that are in Susa, and fast you for me..."
Esther is instructing her cousin Mordecai to gather all the Jews living in Susa (the capital city of Persia).
She's asking them to fast (abstain from food and drink) on her behalf. This is a form of prayer and supplication, seeking divine help and guidance in a desperate situation.
"...and eat not and drink not for three days, night and day: and I also and my maidens will fast..."
The fast is to be a complete one, lasting three full days and nights. This emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the urgency of their need for divine intervention.
Esther and her female attendants ("maidens") will also participate in the fast. This shows her solidarity with her people and her willingness to share in their suffering.
"...and then I will go in to the king contrary to the law, even if I must die."
This is the crucial part of the verse. Esther plans to approach King Ahasuerus uninvited. This was against Persian law, and the penalty for doing so was death unless the king extended his golden scepter in acceptance.
Esther is aware of the risk she's taking ("even if I must die"). She's willing to sacrifice her own life if necessary to plead for the lives of her people.
Her faith in God and her deep love for her people empower her to overcome her fear.
In summary, Esther 4:16 reveals:
The gravity of the threat to the Jews: They are facing imminent annihilation.
Esther's courage and determination: She decides to take a dangerous and potentially fatal action to save her people.
The importance of prayer and fasting: Esther believes that divine intervention is necessary and urges her people to seek God's help.
Esther's selflessness: She is willing to put her own life on the line for the sake of others.
This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, where Esther bravely approaches the king and ultimately succeeds in saving her people from destruction.
This verse (Esther 4:16) is a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, demonstrating Esther's bravery and faith as she prepares to risk her life for her people. Let's break down the meaning:
"Go and assemble the Jews that are in Susa, and fast you for me..."
Esther is instructing her cousin Mordecai to gather all the Jews living in Susa (the capital city of Persia).
She's asking them to fast (abstain from food and drink) on her behalf. This is a form of prayer and supplication, seeking divine help and guidance in a desperate situation.
"...and eat not and drink not for three days, night and day: and I also and my maidens will fast..."
The fast is to be a complete one, lasting three full days and nights. This emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the urgency of their need for divine intervention.
Esther and her female attendants ("maidens") will also participate in the fast. This shows her solidarity with her people and her willingness to share in their suffering.
"...and then I will go in to the king contrary to the law, even if I must die."
This is the crucial part of the verse. Esther plans to approach King Ahasuerus uninvited. This was against Persian law, and the penalty for doing so was death unless the king extended his golden scepter in acceptance.
Esther is aware of the risk she's taking ("even if I must die"). She's willing to sacrifice her own life if necessary to plead for the lives of her people.
Her faith in God and her deep love for her people empower her to overcome her fear.
In summary, Esther 4:16 reveals:
The gravity of the threat to the Jews: They are facing imminent annihilation.
Esther's courage and determination: She decides to take a dangerous and potentially fatal action to save her people.
The importance of prayer and fasting: Esther believes that divine intervention is necessary and urges her people to seek God's help.
Esther's selflessness: She is willing to put her own life on the line for the sake of others.
This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, where Esther bravely approaches the king and ultimately succeeds in saving her people from destruction.