Esther | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsНамуна

ESTHER 4

ESTHER BOLDLY CHOOSES TO CONFRONT KING XERXES

When Mordecai hears of Haman’s plot against the Israelites, he weeps and tears his clothing in a sign of mourning. The Israelite people lament as they receive the horrible news of Haman’s corrupt decree.

Mordecai brings the decree to Esther, hoping she will be able to address the king and plead for favor for the Israelites. Mordecai trusts that the Israelites will find deliverance and encourages Esther to approach King Xerxes. By entering the king’s inner courts without being called, Esther could be put to death, but Mordecai empowers Esther to speak up on behalf of the Israelite people. Mordecai believes that Esther has been placed in this position for this exact moment! Esther requests that Mordecai and the Israelites fast from eating and drinking for three days.

Esther responds with bravery and decides to go before the king, boldly declaring, “If I perish, I perish.”

STUDY QUESTIONS

After hearing about the decree, what did Mordecai encourage Esther to do? Was she up for the challenge (Esther 4:13-17)?