The book of Esther, a profound narrative within the Old Testament, unfolds a dramatic tale of divine providence, national peril, and extraordinary courage. Set in the Persian Empire during the exile of the Jews, it introduces us to a young Jewish orphan, Hadassah, who becomes Queen Esther. Her life, seemingly thrust into a position of power by fate, proves to be a testament to the quiet strength of obedience, strategic wisdom, and ultimate bravery in the face of annihilation. Far from being a mere historical account, Esther’s journey provides timeless lessons in courage, revealing how God can use an individual’s willingness to step out in faith to accomplish His sovereign purposes, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned in the text. Her story reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to act righteously despite it, trusting in a greater power at work behind the scenes.
Courage in Obedience and Humility
Esther’s initial demonstrations of courage are subtle, rooted in her obedience to her cousin, Mordecai. Orphaned and raised by him, she learned early the value of submission to wise counsel. When taken into the king’s palace as a candidate for queen, her first act of quiet bravery was to heed Mordecai’s instruction not to reveal her Jewish identity.
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
This was not a trivial matter; revealing her heritage could have endangered her or complicated her position. Her obedience demonstrated a foundational trust in Mordecai’s wisdom. Furthermore, Esther exhibited remarkable humility and grace in a highly competitive and luxurious environment. Unlike other maidens who may have sought every possible advantage, Esther asked for nothing beyond what was appointed to her by Hegai, the king’s chamberlain in charge of the women.
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
This humility, coupled with her beauty, earned her favor in the eyes of all, including King Ahasuerus. These early acts of courage—obedience to authority and humble self-restraint—formed the bedrock upon which her later, more overt acts of bravery would be built. They teach us that true courage often begins not with grand gestures, but with faithful adherence to principle and a quiet spirit of submission to God-ordained authority.
Courage in the Face of Imminent Danger
The true test of Esther’s courage arrived with the revelation of Haman’s wicked decree to annihilate all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. Mordecai, upon learning of this horrifying plot, sent word to Esther, urging her to intercede with the king. This request plunged Esther into a profound dilemma. The law was clear: approaching the king unsummoned carried the penalty of death, unless the king extended his golden sceptre.
All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
Esther’s initial response, understandable given the mortal risk, was to highlight this danger. However, Mordecai’s powerful retort served as a crucial turning point, not only for Esther but for the entire Jewish nation:
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Mordecai’s words were a potent blend of warning and divine insight. He challenged Esther to consider her unique position, suggesting that her ascension to the throne was not mere coincidence but potentially part of God’s sovereign plan. This pivotal counsel ignited a fire of resolve within Esther. Her fear did not vanish, but her determination to act for her people transcended it. Her response became an iconic declaration of sacrificial courage:
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
This verse, though spoken later, encapsulates the spirit of her decision, which she articulated to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16). This is the courage of absolute surrender, a willingness to risk everything for a cause greater than oneself, trusting in divine intervention. It is a profound lesson for believers: our greatest moments of courage often arise when we are called to step beyond our comfort zone, relying on God’s strength rather than our own.
Courage in Strategic Wisdom and Intercession
Having resolved to act, Esther did not rush impulsively. Her courage was tempered with remarkable strategic wisdom. Before approaching the king, she called for a three-day fast among all the Jews in Shushan, including herself and her maidens. This act of corporate prayer and fasting underscored her reliance on God’s power and providence, acknowledging that human effort alone would be insufficient for such a monumental task. This spiritual preparation was a crucial aspect of her courage, grounding her daring act in faith.
When the appointed time came, Esther bravely entered the inner court. The king, by divine favor, extended the golden sceptre, signifying her acceptance and granting her audience. This moment was a direct answer to their prayers and fasting, a clear sign of God’s hand at work.
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out the golden sceptre that was in his hand unto Esther. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Even after gaining access, Esther did not immediately reveal her petition. Instead, with shrewd discernment, she invited the king and Haman to a private banquet. This seemingly simple act was a masterstroke of strategy. It allowed her to build anticipation, create an intimate setting, and perhaps, allow Haman to become further entrenched in his pride and arrogance, setting him up for a greater fall. At the first banquet, she still did not reveal her request, but invited them to a second banquet the following day. This delay was not procrastination but calculated patience, allowing God’s timing to unfold.
During the night between the two banquets, divine providence intervened, as the king, unable to sleep, commanded the chronicles to be read, leading to the discovery of Mordecai’s past loyalty in uncovering a plot against the king. This divine orchestration prepared the ground for Haman’s downfall. At the second banquet, with the stage perfectly set, Esther courageously revealed her identity and Haman’s treachery.
And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
Her bold accusation, delivered at the opportune moment, led directly to Haman’s swift execution. Esther’s courage here was not just in speaking, but in her wise timing, her reliance on prayer, and her strategic planning, all of which worked in conjunction with God’s perfect timing. These lessons teach us that true courage is often coupled with wisdom and an understanding of divine providence, allowing us to act not just bravely, but effectively.
Courage in Action and Deliverance
Haman’s death was a critical victory, but the decree against the Jews remained in effect. Esther’s courage did not wane. She continued to intercede with the king, weeping and pleading for the decree to be reversed. While the king could not legally revoke a decree sealed with his ring, he granted Esther and Mordecai authority to write a new decree that would allow the Jews to defend themselves.
Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.
This new decree, empowering the Jews to gather and stand for their lives, led to a mighty deliverance. On the appointed day, the Jews, emboldened by the king’s new edict and the visible favor of God upon Esther and Mordecai, stood firm and defeated their enemies. This was not a passive deliverance but an active one, requiring the courage of the entire Jewish people to fight for their survival.
The establishment of the feast of Purim, commemorating this miraculous deliverance, serves as an enduring reminder of Esther’s courage and God’s faithfulness. Her story is a powerful testimony to several facets of courage:
The life of Esther teaches us that courage is not merely a single heroic act, but a continuous journey of faith, obedience, and strategic action. It reminds us that God uses ordinary individuals, often in extraordinary circumstances, to accomplish His purposes. Like Esther, we are called to be courageous in our spheres of influence, trusting that we, too, may have been brought to our positions "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14), to stand for truth, justice, and the advancement of God’s kingdom, no matter the personal cost.