Esther was in a unique position to help save the captive Jews from death. She asked her fellow Jews to fast and call upon God to save their lives. Esther is remembered for her courage at a desperate time.
“For Such a Time as This,” Barbara B. Smith, devotional speech given at Brigham Young University, February 16, 1982
“Esther’s actions are one of the greatest demonstrations of courage found in the Old Testament. Confronting the king at the risk of her life did not make Esther courageous; rather, it revealed the courage that was within her: the courage, the compassion, the devotion to her people. We have no reason to believe that Esther had prepared specifically for the role she had to play, and yet all her life was preparation, as mine is and as yours is.”
“For Such a Time as This,” Mary Ellen Smoot, General Conference, October 1997
Esther approached the king after preparing herself spiritually. Likewise, we must possess the spiritual strength to overcome our challenges, laying our faults on the altar and giving our lives to the Lord.
“May You Have Courage,” Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, April 2009
The account of Esther tells of a brave young woman whose experience has stood through the ages as an example of the courage to stand for truth and righteousness. When Haman sent out the proclamation to destroy the Jews, Esther was at first reluctant, but with Mordecai’s help and with the fasting by many Jews, she became physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared to face the king.
“Esther: An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord,” Ciro Schmeil, Liahona, July 2022
If we follow the Spirit and have a willing heart, the Lord will guide us to do what He needs us to do. Esther was willing to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.
“Helping Female Students Rise to Their Spiritual Privileges,” Barbara Morgan Gardner, Religious Educator 18, 2017, BYU Religious Studies Center
Today’s faithful women, like Esther, have been reserved for a time when they are needed to lead. What does it mean to have priesthood privileges? Women, as well as men, may have priesthood authority and may be endowed with priesthood power in the temple.
“Esther: Queen of Persia and Advocate for Her People,” Old Testament Student Manual, Kings-Malachi, Church Educational System
Details about the book of Esther. Ahasuerus is a Hebrew transliteration of the Persian Khsyayarsha, better known as Xerxes. Scholars propose that the purpose that the decree of annihilation was broadcast months before the set date was that Haman intended that the Jews should be forced to leave their property and escape. The fasting and faithfulness of Esther and her people was productive.
“Esther,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, Church Educational System (1994)
An outline of the story of Esther, with suggestions for presentation points: The sovereignty of God is evident throughout the book of Esther. Esther initiated a community fast before she confronted the king about Haman’s decree, indicating the importance of fasting as a spiritual strength.
