Topical Encyclopedia The concept of self-denial is vividly illustrated in the life of Esther, a central figure in the Old Testament book that bears her name. Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, exemplifies self-denial through her courageous actions to save her people from annihilation. Her account is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and the willingness to sacrifice personal safety for the greater good.Background Esther, originally named Hadassah, was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. She lived during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia. When Queen Vashti was deposed, Esther was chosen to be the new queen due to her beauty and grace. Despite her elevated position, Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret, as advised by Mordecai. The Crisis The crisis that called for Esther's self-denial arose when Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, plotted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. Haman's hatred for the Jews was particularly directed at Mordecai, who refused to bow to him. Haman manipulated King Xerxes into issuing a decree for the extermination of the Jewish people. Esther's Self-Denial Faced with the impending destruction of her people, Esther was confronted with a choice that required immense self-denial. Approaching the king without being summoned was punishable by death, yet Esther resolved to risk her life to plead for her people. In Esther 4:16 , she famously declares, "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther's decision to fast and pray, along with her willingness to face potential death, highlights her self-denial. She put aside her own safety and comfort, prioritizing the survival of her people over her own life. Her actions demonstrate a profound trust in God and a commitment to her identity and mission as a member of God's chosen people. Outcome Esther's self-denial and bravery led to a favorable outcome. She approached King Xerxes, who extended his scepter to her, allowing her to speak. Through a series of strategic banquets, Esther revealed Haman's plot to the king, who then ordered Haman's execution and issued a new decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves. Esther 8:17 records the result: "In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews had fallen upon them." Significance Esther's account is a powerful example of self-denial in the service of God's purposes. Her willingness to sacrifice her own life for the sake of her people is a model of faith and courage. Esther's actions remind believers of the importance of standing firm in their faith, even in the face of great personal risk. Her account encourages Christians to trust in God's providence and to act with boldness and selflessness when called upon to serve His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Christian Described Concerning Persecution Letter cvii. To Laeta. A Bundle of Myrrh What and Whence are These? The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. Paul's Departure and Crown; In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Resources What does the Bible mean when it says, “The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Jesus Seminar? | GotQuestions.org What was the reason behind Peter's denial of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Deny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Denial in Forsaking all and Following Jesus Self-Denial: A Test of Devotedness to Christ Self-Denial: Abraham, when he offered to Lot (His Junior) his Preference of the Land of Canaan Self-Denial: Barnabas , in Selling his Possessions Self-Denial: Becomes Strangers and Pilgrims Self-Denial: Christ Set an Example of Self-Denial: Danger of Neglecting Self-Denial: Daniel, in his Abstention Self-Denial: Daniel, in Refusing Rewards from Belshazzar Self-Denial: Esther, in Risking Her Life for the Deliverance of Her People Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: Ministers Especially Called to Exercise Self-Denial: Moses, in Taking No Compensation from the Israelites for his Services Self-Denial: Necessary in Following Christ Self-Denial: Necessary in the Warfare of Saints Self-Denial: Necessary: To the Triumph of Saints Self-Denial: Paul, in Laboring for his own Support While he Also Taught Self-Denial: Paul, in not Coveting Anyone's Silver, Gold, or Apparel Self-Denial: Paul, in not Regarding Even his Life Dear to Himself Self-Denial: Peter and the Other Apostles, in Abandoning Their Vocations and Following Jesus Self-Denial: Samuel, in his Administration of Justice Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Abstaining from Fleshly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Assisting Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified to the World Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified With Christ Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Controlling the Appetite Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Crucifying the Flesh Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Even Lawful Things Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Forsaking All Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Deeds of the Body Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Sinful Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in No Longer Living to Lusts of Men Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Pleasing Ourselves Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Seeking out own Profit Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring Christ to all Earthly Relations Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring the Profit of Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Putting off the Old Man Which is Corrupt Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Taking up the Cross and Following Christ Self-Denial: Simon, Andrew, James, and John Self-Denial: The Early Christians, in Having Everything in Common Self-Denial: The Rechabites, in Refusing to Drink Wine or Strong Drink, or Even to Plant Vineyards Self-Denial: The Widow of Zarephath, in Sharing With Elijah the Last of Her Sustenance Self-Denial: The Widow, Who Put Everything She had Into the Treasury Self-Denial: Widow of Zarephath Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
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