When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. He went as far as the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter the palace gate while wearing clothes of mourning. And as news of the king’s decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes. When Queen Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, she was deeply distressed. She sent clothing to him to replace the burlap, but he refused it. Then Esther sent for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs who had been appointed as her attendant. She ordered him to go to Mordecai and find out what was troubling him and why he was in mourning. So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the square in front of the palace gate. Mordecai told him the whole story, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai’s message. Then Esther told Hathach to go back and relay this message to Mordecai: “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.” So Hathach gave Esther’s message to Mordecai. Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
The book of Esther shows God's care for His people, even though His name isn't mentioned. This should encourage us to look deeply for God's hand in each event. At this point, Mordecai is mourning the Jews' dangerous situation due to Haman’s edict to kill them all. Esther learns about this through her servants, and Mordecai urges her to plead with the king for their lives. Though aware of the risk, Esther hesitates, but Mordecai points out that her position as queen may be for this very purpose. This is where we see one of the most famous verses from Esther “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?””
Where has God placed you? Reflecting on the story of Esther, consider the unique circumstances and roles you find yourself in today. Just as Esther was positioned as queen to save her people, you may be in a specific place for a significant purpose. Whether it's your job, your community, or your family, God can use your current situation to accomplish His plans. Even if the challenges seem daunting, remember how Esther’s courage and trust in God’s providence led to the deliverance of her people. Embrace where you are, trusting that God’s hand is at work, and be open to how He might use you to bring about His greater purposes.
This story highlights God’s providence and how He fulfills His plans through imperfect people. Esther’s story is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, even those who do not acknowledge His power, to accomplish His purposes.