Thomas Kinkade, “The Painter of Light,” has generated quite a following of folks who appreciate his use of light to inspire comfort and hope amid serene settings of life. He often portrays “hidden places” by a path or trail that moves beyond the viewer’s sight. His painting style seems comparable to the way the author of Esther weaves that particular story into the historical books of the Old Testament.

The coincidences and reversals in the book of Esther have been retold for generations. Even though God is never mentioned in the narrative, the reader finds himself drawing comfort from the changing circumstances and coincidences that hint of God’s sovereign, providential watch and care over his children.

Esther 4 is the pivotal chapter of the book when a new threat is plotted against the exiled Jews in Persia. A manipulative man, Haman, gains the king’s trust and power to use as he chooses (3:10, 11). After having his ego bruised by Mordecai, who is a prominent Jewish leader (3:1-5), Haman plots a way to kill Mordecai. In an alarming example of the insatiable, aggressive nature of evil, Haman quickly alters his plan for the death of Mordecai to include all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire (3:6). Chapter 4 begins with Mordecai learning the details of Haman’s intentions to annihilate the Jews.

Thoughts to Consider
What is life like for someone who is hated because he takes a principled and strong moral stand?

What kind of calm can you enjoy in everyday life when you know someone is plotting your destruction or opposing your agenda?

In Chapter 4, Haman’s evil plot is announced (3:15) and the reaction of God’s people begins to unfold. Mordecai is an influential Jew who has some standing in the community seen by his “sitting at the king’s gate” (2:21). Esther, the orphaned Jew who was raised by Mordecai, her cousin, and who later became queen in the palace of Xerxes, has kept her Jewish heritage a secret for five years. Haman’s devious plan requires her urgent response.

A New Reality Challenges “Business/Life As Usual” (Esther 4:1)
The exiled Jews of the day live with what has been called a “dual loyalty.” They are first Jewish, proud of their election by God. They are also living under the reign of a king in a foreign country. Their challenge is to be good citizens without sacrificing the honor of God by giving a poor witness about him. Successful examples are seen in leaders such as Joseph and Daniel, and now Mordecai and Esther.

Upon learning of Haman’s plan, Mordecai changes his daily routine. Instead of dressing in his customary way and taking his customary seat at the king’s gate, Moredecai puts on the clothes of humility and repentance and goes through the town mourning the coming destruction.

Esther, isolated in the palace, only learns of Haman’s plot when her servants tell her about Mordecai’s strange behavior (4:4). She sends Mordecai new clothes, which he refuses. Clothes of mourning are not allowed in the king’s palace. Mordecai’s refusal distresses Esther more, so she sends a trusted attendant to find out “what was troubling Mordecai and why” (4:5).

The dynamics between Mordecai and Esther are changing. Mordecai previously sent messages to Esther (2:21ff). This time he sends no message. Esther who is always following advice of others (2:10, 15, 20) now takes charge in gaining a full understanding of the situation.

A New Reaction Reveals Life’s Urgency (Esther 4:1-3, 9-14)
It has been said people change not because they see the light, but because they feel the heat. New things have come to light and Mordecai knows immediately that this plot cannot be averted by a simple, behind-the-scenes conversation with Esther. He goes public using the recognized mourning of people seeking God’s mercy and deliverance.

Esther, upon hearing Mordecai’s challenge to go before the king and beg for “her people” (4:8), responds with a message not of refusal but more of doubt (4:11). She is uncertain the king will provide deliverance—as he seems never to be interested in the details of his kingdom (1:16ff; 3:10)—even if she tells him she is a Jew who will die with the rest of the Jews.

Mordecai responds by saying promises concerning the Jews will be fulfilled even if she tries to remain safely silent in the palace. His method may be a very tactful way of asking how long she can live in safety while denying her identity and perhaps life purpose. The two words of 4:14, “who knows,” cry out for an answer of a godly presence and activity reminiscent of the attitude of Joseph with his brothers in Genesis 45:4, 5.

A New Attitude Prepares for Action (Esther 4:15-17)
Esther informs Mordecai, via messenger, that to enter into the king’s presence uninvited means certain death unless she is extended an immediate pardon by the king. She resolves to make her appeal to the king even if she dies in the attempt (4:16), and so she requests the one thing that is most needed: a three-day fast specifically “for her.” Fasting is a powerful way of focusing on matters of importance and urgency. It is an important means of inviting God into a situation that is too great to face alone. To involve all the Jews of the city increases the prayerful impact that may be accomplished through her efforts before the king.

Ben Merold says, “When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t.” Esther is ready to reveal her Jewish background. After five years in the palace she is ready to step forward on behalf of her people. She has an initial risky plan to get a possible hearing before the king. She has three days of preparatory time for meditation, prayer, and further planning. The coincidences following those three days are an amazing reversal of circumstance and situation that illuminates God’s hand at work on behalf of his people.

Esther risked her life, but her story of a complete reversal of circumstances is still read and celebrated every year by Jews worldwide during their Feast of Purim.

Thoughts to Consider
Haman gave counsel to King Xerxes and Mordecai gave counsel to Esther. What characteristics are good to look for in those who counsel you?

What are you willing to do to reduce the impact evil can make on those who are close to you?