Fasting in the Bible Day 6: Esther

The story of Esther reads like a novel, but as soon as danger was realized, fasting began:

Haman plotted to kill all the Jews, because Mordecai refused to bow down to him, explaining that he could only bow to God. So Haman persuaded King Ahasuerus, a Persian monarch, that the Jews did not follow the laws of the land and got him to authorize letters which were sent by couriers to all his provinces to destroy, kill and annihilate every Jew, young or old, including the women and children. They were also to seize all their possessions, for they were wealthy. This was to happen on the thirteenth day of Adar. Esther 3: 13

When Mordecai learned this, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. He went as far as the king’s gate, for by law no one could enter the gate clothed in sackcloth. In every province where the decree of the king was heard, there was great mourning among the Jews. They also fasted, wept, wailed and lay on sackcloth and ashes.

Then Queen Esther’s servants told her about the decree and she also writhed in great anguish. She sent clothes to her cousin and guardian, Mordecai, to replace his sackcloth, but he did not accept them. Then Esther sent Hathach to go to Mordecai to learn more about what he was doing. Mordecai told him what had happened, and that it was Haman’s plot to have the Jews destroyed. He also gave him a copy of the decree to show Esther. Mordecai wanted her to go to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people. Hathach told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then she replied:  “Everyone knows that any man or woman who comes to the inner court of the king without being summoned will be put to death. But if the king holds out his golden scepter, he will live. And I have not been summoned for thirty days.” Mordecai told him to say to her, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s family will still perish. And who knows whether or not you became Queen for such a time as this?”

Then Esther responded to Mordecai, “Assemble all the Jews here in Susa, and fast for what I must do; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maidens and I will also fast in the same way. And then when I go in to the king, without being summoned, if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai did just as Esther had asked.

Three days later Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace by the king’s rooms. He was sitting on the throne but when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she obtained favor and he extended the golden scepter to her. When Esther touched the top of the scepter, the king said, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even if you want half of the kingdom, I will give it to you.” From Esther 4: 1 – 5: 3.

So, Esther planned a banquet to expose Haman. But Haman was still so angry that Mordecai refused to bow to him that he had a gallows built. The king found out that Mordecai had exposed a plot to kill him when Esther became queen and asked Haman how he should honor a special man. Haman thought, “Who would the king want to honor but me?” So he said, “Have an official lead him through the city on a royal horse, proclaiming his honor.” Then Haman had to lead Mordecai throughout the city! At Queen Esther’s banquet, the king asked again what he could do for her and she told him about the plot to kill all her kinsmen, the Jews. When the king asked who did this, Esther answered, “Haman.” He was terrified! When the king found out Haman was bothering Esther and had built a gallows for Mordecai, he said, “Hang Haman on it!” Then everyone was afraid of the power of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews to turn around their situation. So they helped the Jews kill their enemies on the day of the decree, instead, and established the feast of Purim on that day to memorialize the victory of the Jews. From Esther 5: 3 – 10: 3

As soon as Mordecai realized the imminent danger to them that was planned by Haman, he didn’t take violent steps, beg understanding or flee.

He fasted!

Mordecai realized that God had allowed Esther to become queen so that she could help her people. They came up with a plan, and Queen Esther was willing to sacrifice her life for the life of her people.

All the Jews fasted for three days and nights!

Think about the last time you felt unsafe or were in a quandary regarding what steps to take. What did you do? How did you feel? What ended up happening?

Identify something going on in your life right now that causes you anxiety. When could you honor God by fasting and seeking His plan for moving forward? What are you willing to sacrifice? Schedule it in your calendar. Follow through.

Powerful Lord, I know that fasting as a ritual doesn’t interest You. But, fasting as a way to set aside time to connect with You does. Help my hunger for food and sacrifice connect me to a stronger hunger for You. Listen and answer my prayer. Amen.