How does Esther 4:5 demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in crisis? Setting the Scene • The Jewish people are under a death decree engineered by Haman (Esther 3). • Mordecai mourns publicly, clothed in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1). • Esther, isolated in the palace, hears only fragments of the crisis. • Esther 4:5: “Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to her service, and commanded him to go to Mordecai to learn what was happening and why.” Esther’s Immediate Response • She does not rush into panic or make assumptions. • She recognizes her own information gap and deliberately seeks understanding. • By choosing Mordecai—her older cousin, guardian, and seasoned believer—she turns to the wisest voice available. Why This Models Seeking Wise Counsel • Humility: Admitting, “I don’t know everything” is the first step toward godly wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). • Relationship: Esther’s trust in Mordecai is rooted in years of proven faithfulness (Esther 2:20). • Alignment with God’s people: She unites palace privilege with street-level insight, keeping herself tethered to the covenant community. • Timing: She seeks counsel before acting—preventing rash, uninformed decisions (James 1:19). Scriptural Echoes of the Same Principle • Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Moses listened to Jethro’s counsel and avoided burnout (Exodus 18:17-24). • David repeatedly consulted the Lord and trusted advisers before battle (2 Samuel 5:19, 23). • Rehoboam ignored seasoned counselors and split the kingdom (1 Kings 12:6-15). Key Principles to Embrace • Godly counsel is proactive, not reactive—seek it early. • Select counselors anchored in Scripture and proven character. • Verify facts before forming conclusions; truth precedes strategy. • Wise counsel often comes through established relationships, not random opinions. Practical Takeaways for Today • In any crisis—medical, financial, relational—pause and gather facts from those who fear God and know you well. • Bridge your “palace” of personal perspective with the broader view of mature believers. • Remember that humility invites divine help; pride isolates (1 Peter 5:5-6). • Like Esther, receive counsel, weigh it against Scripture, then step forward in faith. |
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