What can we learn about courage from Esther's confrontation in Esther 7:6? The Verse “Esther replied, ‘The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!’ Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.” (Esther 7:6) Context Snapshot • Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia, faces the annihilation decree against her people (Esther 3:13). • After fasting and prayer (Esther 4:16), she approaches King Xerxes uninvited—risking death (Esther 4:11). • At the second banquet, she unmasks Haman, the architect of the plot. Courage on Display • Public exposure of evil: Esther names Haman to the king’s face. • Personal risk: Speaking truth could cost her life and crown. • Timing led by wisdom: She waits through two banquets, trusting God’s providence (Esther 5–7). • Identification with God’s people: She stakes her own future on their survival (Esther 7:3–4). Lessons for Today • Speak truth even when powerful people oppose it. • Prepare spiritually—Esther fasted before she acted. • Trust God’s sovereignty; He positions His people “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). • Courage often means identifying with the vulnerable, not distancing from them. • God honors moral clarity; exposing wickedness is part of loving righteousness (Psalm 45:7; Ephesians 5:11). Supporting Scriptures • Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Psalm 56:3–4—“When I am afraid, I will trust in You… what can mere man do to me?” • Acts 4:13—Peter and John’s boldness after being filled with the Spirit mirrors Esther’s resolve. • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” Courage Fueled by Faith Scripture records this event literally to assure believers that the same faithful God still emboldens His people. Confidence in His unchanging character transforms fear into fearless obedience. |
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