Esther 4:1 to 4:17; 7:1 to 7:10 God places each of us in our unique positions for a divine purpose: for such a time as this. Discover how young Jewish orphan Esther became queen of the Persian Empire. Hear Mordecai's famous challenge: "Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Learn to stand up courageously for what is right, trusting in God's sovereign providence. In the grand Persian capital of Susa, King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) ruled 127 provinces. God's people were living as an exile minority far from their homeland. The Orphan Girl Who Became Queen In the great city of Susa, an orphaned Jewish girl named Hadassah, known as [Esther](/bible/explorer/person/esther), was raised by her wise cousin [Mordecai](/bible/explorer/person/mordecai). When the Persian king looked for a new queen, Esther was chosen for her beauty, modesty, and grace. Mordecai instructed her not to reveal her Jewish heritage yet. But soon, a proud, wicked noble named Haman was elevated to high rank. When Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, Haman hatched a plot to exterminate every Jewish man, woman, and child across the entire empire! For Such a Time as This Mordecai tore his clothes and sent a message to Queen Esther pleading with her to speak to the king. Esther replied that Persian law forbade anyone from approaching the king without an invitation; the penalty was instant death unless the king extended his golden scepter! Mordecai sent back immortal words: "Do not think that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews... And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" If I Perish, I Perish Esther showed heroic courage. She asked all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray with her for three days. Then she declared: "I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." On the third day, she put on her royal robes and stepped into the inner court. The king looked up, smiled, and held out the golden scepter! Esther invited the king and Haman to two banquets, where she bravely unmasked Haman's murderous scheme. The king hung Haman on his own gallows, and God's people were completely saved! And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 What challenge did Mordecai send to Queen Esther in Esther 4:14? Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Run away to Egypt immediately Ask for more gold and dresses Stay quiet and protect yourself Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Mordecai recognized God's providential timing in placing Esther as queen. What did the Persian king have to do so someone approaching uninvited wouldn't be executed? Extend his golden scepter Clap his hands twice Offer them a seat Blow a trumpet Extend his golden scepter Esther 4:11 and 5:2 explain that holding out the golden scepter granted mercy. What did Esther and the Jewish people do before she approached the king? They fasted and prayed for three days They hired a big army They planned an escape They threw a party They fasted and prayed for three days Esther 4:16 says all the Jews in Susa fasted for three days before she went in. Whenever you see someone being treated unfairly or bullied this week, step up and speak up for them, remembering Esther's courage: "for such a time as this." Sovereign Lord, you guide history and place each of us where we are for your holy purpose. Give me courage like Queen Esther to stand up for what is right, even when it is scary. Teach me to pray, to care for others, and to be your faithful servant for such a time as this. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why was it scary for Esther to go before the king uninvited, and what gave her the strength to do it? What does it mean for you personally that God has put you in your family, school, and neighborhood "for such a time as this"? Explorers conclude Term 2 by learning that God works through providential timing and courageous faithfulness to rescue His people. Show a toy golden wand or stick (representing the royal scepter). Explain the high stakes in Persia: if the king didn't hold it out, the guards would execute you on the spot! Is the name of God mentioned in the Book of Esther? No, God's name is never explicitly mentioned in Esther, but God's invisible hand of providence is clearly working on every single page to protect His covenant people! 5 min Hook & Golden Scepter Demo, 12 min Narrative, 8 min Memory Verse Tiles, 5 min Term 2 Wrap-up Quiz