The narrative of Esther, a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, is a profound testament to divine providence and the courage of standing for one's people. The account unfolds in the Book of Esther, where Esther, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, becomes queen to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Her ascent to the throne is marked by a series of divinely orchestrated events, setting the stage for her pivotal role in the deliverance of the Jewish people.

The King's Favor

The concept of "The King's Favor" is central to the account of Esther. In the Persian court, the king's favor was a matter of life and death, as approaching the king without being summoned could result in execution unless the king extended his golden scepter. Esther 5:2 states, "As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight, and he held out to her the golden scepter in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter."

This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates the favor Esther found in the eyes of King Ahasuerus, a favor that was not merely a result of her beauty or charm but was divinely appointed. The king's favor is a recurring theme in the narrative, highlighting the sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. Proverbs 21:1 echoes this sentiment: "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases."

Esther's Request

Esther's request to the king is a strategic and courageous act. After learning of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews, Esther, at the risk of her own life, approaches the king to plead for her people. Her request is carefully crafted and unfolds over two banquets, demonstrating her wisdom and patience. Esther 7:3 records her plea: "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and my people as my request."

Esther's request is not only a personal plea for her own life but a selfless intercession for her people. Her approach is marked by humility and respect, acknowledging the king's authority while boldly presenting her case. This act of intercession is a powerful example of advocacy and courage, reflecting the biblical principle of standing in the gap for others, as seen in Ezekiel 22:30 : "I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it, but I found no one."

The Outcome

The outcome of Esther's request is a dramatic reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. The king, moved by Esther's plea and the revelation of Haman's treachery, grants her request, leading to the downfall of Haman and the salvation of the Jews. Esther 8:5 captures her continued advocacy: "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor before him, and if the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let an edict be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces."

The king's favor, once again, plays a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people, underscoring the theme of divine intervention and the importance of righteous leadership. Esther's account is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and the providential hand of God in the lives of His people.