NOTES for Est 4:1-17

The most essential thing in the fourth chapter of Esther is Esther's decision to expose herself to mortal danger for the sake of her fellow countrymen. Esther had been forced to conceal her origin, and now she must enter the king's presence uninvited (which alone is punishable!) and plead for those whom the royal decree has condemned to extermination. In essence, for Esther this means offering herself as a sacrifice for the salvation of the Jews.

No less important is that before carrying out such a decision, Esther entrusts herself to God's hands, prays herself, and asks all the Jews to pray. The most correct and most beautiful decisions—even the very things God would like to see from us—can turn to dust and into an abyss if we do not pray about them. This is a fact attested by centuries of practice. Esther knows this and follows it at such a tragic moment. In her prayer she confesses God as the only King and gives herself entirely into His power.