Background and Context:
Esther, a Jewish woman living in Persia, becomes queen after being chosen by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) to replace Queen Vashti. Her account is recounted in the Book of Esther, which is set during the reign of the Persian Empire. Esther's rise to queenship is orchestrated by divine providence, as she is placed in a position to save her people from a genocidal plot devised by Haman, the king's advisor.

The Plot Against the Jews:
Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the Persian court, harbors a deep hatred for the Jewish people, particularly Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, who refuses to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman convinces King Xerxes to issue a decree to annihilate all Jews in the empire. This edict is sealed with the king's signet ring, making it irrevocable.

Mordecai's Plea to Esther:
Upon learning of the decree, Mordecai mourns publicly and sends a message to Esther, urging her to approach the king and plead for her people. Esther, however, is initially hesitant. Her hesitation is rooted in the Persian law that forbids anyone from approaching the king unsummoned, under penalty of death, unless the king extends his golden scepter to spare their life.

Esther 4:10-11 :
"Then Esther spoke to Hathach and instructed him to tell Mordecai, 'All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned has but one law: that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the golden scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.'"

Esther's Internal Struggle:
Esther's initial hesitation reflects her awareness of the grave risk involved in approaching the king uninvited. Her position as queen does not exempt her from the laws of the land, and her life is at stake. Furthermore, Esther's hesitation may also stem from the fear of revealing her Jewish identity, which she has kept secret at Mordecai's instruction.

Mordecai's Response and Esther's Decision:
Mordecai responds to Esther's hesitation with a profound message, emphasizing the providential nature of her position and the potential consequences of inaction. He warns her that deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place if she remains silent, but she and her father's house will perish. Mordecai's words challenge Esther to consider the possibility that she has been placed in her royal position "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

Esther 4:13-14 :
"Mordecai sent back this reply: 'Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. 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 house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'"

Esther's Resolve:
Confronted with the gravity of the situation and Mordecai's exhortation, Esther resolves to act courageously. She instructs Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days on her behalf, while she and her maids do the same. Esther's decision to approach the king, despite the potential consequences, marks a turning point in her character, as she embraces her role as an intercessor for her people.

Esther 4:15-16 :
"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'"

Significance:
Esther's initial hesitation and subsequent resolve highlight the themes of faith, courage, and divine providence. Her account serves as a testament to the belief that God places individuals in specific circumstances to fulfill His purposes, and it underscores the importance of trusting in His plan, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.