If You Remain Silent

Esther

Weekly Reading

Week Four – Chapter Four

ReadChapter 4

Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help

In Chapter 4 Mordecai implored Esther to intervene on behalf of her people or they would all be killed. Esther reminded Mordecai that anyone who came before the king without being called, even the queen, would be subject to death. The only exception to this would be if the king extended mercy by holding out the golden scepter (verses 10-12).

Mordecai then uttered the most famous line from the book when he said, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (4:14, emphasis added throughout).

Esther then agreed to risk her life for her people. She asked Mordecai to have her people fast for her success, and she put her life on the line by going to the king for help (verses 15-16).

Going Deeper Isaiah 15:1-3, Romans 5:6-11

Questions

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.: Esther 4:1

Was Mordecai the only one in such a grief-stricken condition? If not, who were the others and exactly what did they do?

Why do you think Mordecai refused the change of clothes?

Why did Esther think Mordecai was asking too much?

What were the consequences of not approaching the king? What were the consequences of approaching the king? Which side seems to offer the greatest risk?

What special significance did the fast have that you might not have thought about?

With her three-day fast completed, how did Esther dress for her fateful appearance before King Xerxes?

Reflect on her powerful words in verse 16 and complete the sentence: “And if I ______________, I ________________.”

Hebrews 2:14-15 from The Message, “By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.”

Living perpetually in the shadow of immanent catastrophe, the Jews were threatened not only physically but psychologically. Walking in the shadow of death was as perilous as dying. Perfect Love casts out fear. Courage comes from the heart.

Click here for a printable version of Week 4.

Be Blessed and be a Blessing,

Cheryl

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