The Book of Esther, a historical narrative found in the Old Testament, recounts the account of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and plays a pivotal role in saving her people from destruction. The narrative is set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and highlights themes of providence, courage, and faith.

Context of the Decree

The events leading to the fast begin with Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official in King Xerxes' court, who harbors a deep-seated hatred for the Jewish people, particularly Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian. Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman incites the latter's wrath, prompting him to devise a plan to annihilate all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. Haman manipulates King Xerxes into issuing a decree that sets a specific day for the destruction of the Jewish people, casting lots (Purim) to determine the date (Esther 3:7-13).

Esther's Response and the Call to Fast

Upon learning of the decree, Mordecai mourns publicly, donning sackcloth and ashes, and he communicates the dire situation to Esther, urging her to intercede with the king. Esther, aware of the risks involved in approaching the king unsummoned, initially hesitates. However, Mordecai's poignant reminder that her royal position may be divinely appointed for such a time as this (Esther 4:14) compels her to act.

Esther instructs Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast on her behalf for three days and nights, abstaining from food and drink. She and her maids commit to the same fast, seeking divine favor and guidance (Esther 4:15-16). This act of fasting is a profound expression of humility and dependence on God, reflecting a deep spiritual conviction that transcends the immediate crisis.

Significance of the Fast

The fast called by Esther is significant for several reasons. It underscores the Jewish practice of seeking God's intervention through fasting and prayer in times of distress. The communal aspect of the fast highlights the unity and solidarity of the Jewish people in the face of existential threat. Moreover, Esther's leadership and willingness to risk her life for her people exemplify the virtues of courage and self-sacrifice.

The fast also serves as a turning point in the narrative. Following the period of fasting, Esther approaches the king, and through a series of divinely orchestrated events, she reveals Haman's plot, leading to his downfall and the deliverance of the Jewish people (Esther 5-7). The decree is countered by a new edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves, resulting in their victory over their enemies (Esther 8-9).

Biblical References

· Esther 3:7-13: Haman's plot and the issuance of the decree.
· Esther 4:1-3: Mordecai's mourning and communication with Esther.
· Esther 4:14: Mordecai's exhortation to Esther.
· Esther 4:15-16: Esther's call for a fast.
· Esther 5-7: Esther's approach to the king and Haman's downfall.
· Esther 8-9: The Jews' deliverance and the institution of Purim.

The account of Esther and the fast she calls for remains a powerful testament to faith, divine providence, and the courage to stand for righteousness in the face of overwhelming odds.Esther 4:1
When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
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Esther 5:1
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
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Esther 6:1
On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
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Esther 7:1
So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.
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Esther 8:1
On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was to her.
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Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
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The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
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of the ... as the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not ...
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Who was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Esther | GotQuestions.org

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