Characteristics of Esther in the Bible: A Woman of Bravery, Faith, and Leadership
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Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia, is one of the most fascinating and inspiring figures in the Bible. Her courage, faith, and selflessness have captivated readers for centuries, and her story continues to be a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and grace. As we dive into the characteristics of Esther in the Bible, we’ll explore how her remarkable qualities, including her bravery, faith and leadership, enabled her to navigate the complexities of royal politics and ultimately save the Jewish people from destruction.
Through Esther’s example, we’ll discover valuable lessons for our own lives and be encouraged to trust in God’s plan and purpose for us!
Get your FREE Esther Bible Study Journal at the end of this post so you can study the characteristics of Esther along with this article and see how they can impact your own life plus download a FREE Bible Character Study Note sheet for Esther!
Esther’s Bravery: A Deeper Look
Esther’s bravery is a defining element of her character and a cornerstone of her story. Her courage is displayed in several critical moments, each highlighting her willingness to face personal danger for the greater good of her people.
Approaching the King
One of the most striking examples of Esther’s bravery is her decision to approach King Xerxes without being summoned. In the Persian Empire, such an action could result in death unless the king extended his golden scepter as a sign of acceptance (Esther 4:11).
Aware of the potential consequences, Esther asked Mordecai and the Jewish community to fast for three days and nights to seek God’s favor and guidance (Esther 4:15-16). Her famous words, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), encapsulate her resolve and willingness to sacrifice her own life for the sake of her people.
This act required not only personal bravery but also a deep faith in God’s protection. By risking her life, Esther demonstrated her readiness to put the welfare of others above her own safety, embodying the essence of true leadership and courage.
Revealing Her Identity
Esther’s bravery is also highlighted when she reveals her Jewish identity to King Xerxes. Initially, she had concealed her heritage on the advice of Mordecai (Esther 2:10), but this desperate situation compelled her to disclose it. This revelation was a significant risk, as it could have led to her rejection or worse, but it was essential for her in order to save the Jewish people from Haman’s plot.
In the context of the royal court, where political alliances and power dynamics were risky, Esther’s disclosure was a bold move. Her strategic timing—during the second banquet she hosted for the king and Haman—demonstrated her wisdom and ability to influence the king’s decisions (Esther 7:3-6).
She was most definitely a woman who knew how to be patient and wait for the right time to make her move. I am not sure I could have exhibited that patience myself!
Orchestrating Haman’s Downfall
Esther’s careful orchestration of events leading to Haman’s downfall is another testament to her bravery. She invited both the king and Haman to two banquets, skillfully creating an opportunity to present her case in a private, controlled setting (Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-6).
Her very calculated approach allowed her to reveal Haman’s plot and secure the king’s favor, resulting in Haman’s execution and the reversal of the decree against the Jews (Esther 7:7-10, 8:5-8).
This is what is celebrated each year on Purim! If you want to learn more about the Festival of Purim AND more about Esther, you can read this post here on the blog.
Bravery in Comparison
Esther’s bravery can be compared to other biblical figures who faced great peril:
- Daniel: Displayed courage when he continued praying to God despite the threat of being thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10-23). His steadfast faith and miraculous deliverance mirror Esther’s reliance on divine intervention.
- David: Showed remarkable bravery in confronting Goliath with only a sling and his faith in God, defeating the giant against all odds (1 Samuel 17). Like Esther, David’s courage came from his trust in God’s protection.
Application to Our Own Lives
Esther’s bravery serves as a powerful inspiration for believers today. In our lives, we may find ourselves in situations that require us to stand up for our beliefs, defend the vulnerable, or take significant risks for a greater cause. Esther’s story encourages us to:
- Face Challenges with Courage: Like Esther, we can draw strength from our faith to confront difficult situations and make tough decisions.
- Act Selflessly: Esther’s willingness to risk her own life for her people shows great selflessness. We can exhibit this trait by prioritizing the needs of others.
- Seek God’s Guidance: Esther’s call for communal fasting and prayer highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance in times of crisis.
The Book of Esther is a profound reminder that bravery, supported by faith and wisdom, can lead to extraordinary results. Her legacy continues to inspire and encourage believers to act with courage and conviction in their own lives.
Esther’s Faith in Action
Esther’s faith is pivotal to her story and her actions. Before approaching the king, she asked Mordecai and all the Jews in Shushan (this is Susa in Hebrew) to fast for three days and nights (Esther 4:15-16). This period of fasting, typically accompanied by prayer, shows her reliance on God’s guidance and strength.
Her faith was not only personal but also communal. By involving the entire Jewish community in fasting, she united them in seeking God’s intervention. Esther’s faith provided her with the courage to take on this risky mission, demonstrating that she trusted in God’s protection and plan.
Communal Prayer
In Judaism, including in Messianic Judaism, the communal aspect of prayer continues to be a fundamental practice.
Daily prayers, particularly the Shema and the Amidah, are recited collectively in synagogues and individually at home (but collectively with the Jewish community throughout the world who are also praying these prayers at the same time of day).
I love reciting the daily liturgical prayers as much as I love having my own personal conversations with the Lord each day.
The Amidah, also known as the “Standing Prayer,” is recited three times a day: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Ma’ariv). This prayer includes praises, petitions, and thanks to God, reflecting both individual and communal needs (although the Amidah is shortened on Shabbat since it is not seen as appropriate to make petitions on the day of rest).
You will find Daniel also praying three times a day, facing Jerusalem, in Daniel 6:14:
Then they answered and said to the king: “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree that you put in writing. He still prays three times a day!”
TLV
The communal recitation of these prayers reinforces the sense of community and shared faith among the Jewish people. Just as Esther called upon her community to pray and fast together, modern Jewish practices emphasize the importance of unity in prayer and in worship. Praying together as a community strengthens the bond and amplifies the collective voice in seeking God’s intervention and blessings.
Yeshua said where two or more are gathered together in prayer in His Name He is there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20) Here He is enjoining Himself to the communal prayers of all His people.
Application to Our Own Lives:
- Prayer and Fasting: Just as Esther turned to prayer and fasting in a time of crisis, believers today can seek God’s guidance and support through these spiritual disciplines.
- Community Faith: Esther’s request for communal fasting highlights the power of collective prayer and support within a faith community.
Prayer in Judaism:
- Shema: Recited twice daily, the Shema is a declaration of faith in one God and a central tenet of Jewish prayer. It begins with “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4) and is a powerful statement of communal faith and identity.
- Amidah: This central prayer of the Jewish liturgy is recited while standing and in silence. It consists of 19 blessings, including requests for wisdom, forgiveness, and peace (again, this is changed on the Sabbath and also on Rosh Chodesh (New Moon which begins a new Hebrew month) and during Festivals). The communal recitation, especially during Sabbath and festivals, highlights the collective aspirations and unity of the Jewish people.
The practice of communal prayer serves to maintain a strong sense of community and continuity in faith. It reflects the enduring legacy of shared worship that Esther exemplified in her time of need.
Esther’s Leadership: A Comprehensive Examination
Esther’s leadership qualities shine through in various ways throughout her story, revealing a woman of wisdom, strategic thinking, and influence. Her journey from an orphaned girl to the queen of Persia and a rescuer of her people showcases not only her personal growth but also her exceptional ability to lead and inspire others.
Emerging as a Leader
Initially, Esther’s role seems passive, as she follows Mordecai’s guidance and conceals her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10). However, her leadership potential begins to manifest as her story progresses. When Mordecai informs her of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews, Esther transitions from a follower to a decisive leader. Her response to Mordecai’s plea shows her understanding of the gravity of the situation and her willingness to take responsibility.
It is interesting to note here that Mordecai, who encouraged her to conceal her Jewish identity early on, is the one who later encourages her to use her influence to rescue her people (which entails revealing her own identity as one of them).
Strategic Planning
One of Esther’s most significant demonstrations of leadership is her strategic approach to dealing with the threat posed by Haman.
Instead of immediately pleading with the king, Esther carefully plans a series of events to create the right circumstances for her request.
She invites King Xerxes and Haman to two banquets, building rapport and setting the stage for her revelation (Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-6). This calculated delay and repeated exposure to the enemy, Haman (which could NOT have been easy for her) allows her to gauge the king’s mood and ensure that her plea will be met with favor.
Esther’s ability to think ahead and orchestrate these events shows her strategic mind and understanding of court politics. Her actions reflect a keen awareness of timing and the importance of creating favorable conditions for success.
Influencing the King
Esther’s influence over King Xerxes is another testament to her leadership. Her charm, grace, and intelligence enable her to win the king’s favor and maintain his interest. This influence is crucial in her plan to save the Jews.
By skillfully revealing Haman’s plot during the second banquet, she ensures that the king’s immediate reaction is one of anger and betrayal towards Haman (Esther 7:3-6). She told the king that SHE was the one threatened along with her people and, in doing so, made it VERY personal for the king.
Her ability to sway the king’s decisions demonstrates not only personal charisma but also a deep understanding of human nature and the dynamics of power. Esther’s leadership lies in her capacity to use her influence for a righteous cause, turning the king’s favor towards the protection of her people and, of course, his queen!
Mobilizing Her Community
Esther’s leadership extends beyond the royal court to her own community. Before taking action, she calls for a three-day fast among the Jews in Shushan, seeking communal support and divine intervention (Esther 4:15-16). This call to collective prayer and fasting shows her ability to unite her people in a time of crisis, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and faith in the community.
By involving the entire Jewish community, Esther not only strengthens her own resolve but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among her people. This collective action drives home the power of communal faith and the role of a leader in mobilizing and inspiring others.
Leadership in Comparison
Esther’s leadership can be compared to other biblical figures who led with wisdom and courage:
- Moses: Like Esther, Moses demonstrated strategic leadership and influence when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. His ability to negotiate with Pharaoh and guide his people through the wilderness reflects similar qualities of bravery, faith, and strategic thinking (Exodus 3-14).
- Nehemiah: Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem showcases his strategic planning, ability to inspire and mobilize his community, and unwavering faith, paralleling Esther’s leadership during the crisis of her time (Nehemiah 2-6).
Application to Our Own Lives:
Esther’s leadership provides valuable lessons for modern leaders. Her story encourages us to:
- Plan Strategically: Effective leadership requires careful planning and the ability to think ahead, just as Esther did with her banquets. She also exhibited great patience and avoided rushing in to something too quickly. Leaders have to avoid making rash decisions and acting on emotion.
- Influence Wisely: Esther’s influence over the king highlights the importance of using one’s influence for just and noble causes.
- Unite and Inspire: Esther’s call for communal fasting demonstrates the power of unity and the leader’s role in bringing people together towards a common goal.
Esther embodies the true nature of genuine leadership, a combination of enduring qualities. In addition to bravery and intelligence, Esther was deeply dedicated to her people and had a deep sense of obligation for their well-being.
But perhaps most importantly, Esther’s leadership was anchored in empathy and compassion. She didn’t lead from a place of privilege or entitlement but from a deep understanding of the suffering and vulnerability of her people. This empathy gave fuel to her courage and determination, driving her to take bold action in the face of grave danger.
Esther’s legacy is a reminder that true leadership isn’t just about wielding power or achieving personal glory; it’s about service and sacrifice. It’s about standing up for what is right, even when the stakes are high and the path forward is uncertain.
My Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these characteristics of Esther in the Bible, we’re reminded of the profound impact one person can have when fully surrendered to God’s will. Esther’s story teaches us that our circumstances, no matter how challenging or ordinary they may seem, are opportunities for God to work through us.
Her legacy encourages us to:
- Trust in God’s sovereignty and provision
- Embrace our unique purpose and calling
- Stand courageously for what is right
- Humble ourselves and seek guidance
- Rely on God’s strength in our weakness
It’s my hope and prayer that Esther’s extraordinary example inspires us to live with courage, loyalty, and generosity, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those around us and glorifying God. I hope her story continues to resonate within us, encouraging us to embody the attributes of God’s goodness, mercy, and holiness for everyone to witness.
One person CAN make a difference! Esther serves as an example of that. You do not have to be capable, you just need to be available! God will do the rest!
Books for Deeper Study:
- “Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman” by Beth Moore: A detailed study guide that explores the life of Esther with practical applications.
- “Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity” by Charles R. Swindoll: A comprehensive examination of Esther’s character and legacy.
- “The Esther Anointing: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Courage, and Influence“ by Michelle McClain-Walters: It doesn’t matter where you came from or what skills and talents you have; if you let Him, God can use your life for His glory!
- Scripture from the TLV Holy Scriptures by TLV Bible Society – This is my favorite version to reference along with the JPS Hebrew/English Tanakh by The Jewish Publication Society for the Hebrew Scriptures
Download Your Esther Bible Study Journal
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Download Esther Bible Character Study Notes
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.