Esther - Caput 15

Esther 15.1 et mandavit ei (haud dubium quin esset Mardochaeus) ut ingrederetur ad regem et rogaret pro populo suo et pro patria sua Esther 15.2 memorare inquit dierum humilitatis tuae quomodo nutrita sis in manu mea quia Aman secundus a rege locutus est contra nos in mortem Esther 15.3 et tu invoca Dominum et loquere regi pro nobis et libera nos de morte Esther 15.4 Die autem tertio deposuit vestimenta ornatus sui et circumdata est gloria sua Esther 15.5 cumque regio fulgeret habitu et invocasset omnium rectorem et salvatorem Deum assumpsit duas famulas Esther 15.6 et super unam quidem innitebatur quasi prae deliciis et nimia teneritudine corpus suum ferre non sustinens Esther 15.7 altera autem famularum sequebatur dominam defluentia in humum indumenta sustentans Esther 15.8 ipsa autem roseo colore vultum perfusa et gratis ac nitentibus oculis tristem celabat animum et nimio timore contractum Esther 15.9 ingressa igitur cuncta per ordinem ostia stetit contra regem ubi ille residebat super solium regni sui indutus vestibus regiis auroque fulgens et pretiosis lapidibus eratque terribilis aspectu Esther 15.10 cumque elevasset faciem et ardentibus oculis furorem pectoris indicasset regina corruit et in pallorem colore mutato lassum super ancillulam reclinavit caput Esther 15.11 convertitque Deus spiritum regis in mansuetudinem et festinus ac metuens exilivit de solio et sustentans eam ulnis suis donec rediret ad se his verbis blandiebatur Esther 15.12 quid habes Esther ego sum frater tuus noli metuere Esther 15.13 non morieris non enim pro te sed pro omnibus haec lex constituta est Esther 15.14 accede igitur et tange sceptrum Esther 15.15 cumque illa reticeret tulit auream virgam et posuit super collum ejus et osculatus est eam et ait cur mihi non loqueris Esther 15.16 quae respondit Vidi te, domine, quasi angelum Dei et conturbatum est cor meum præ timore gloriæ tuae. Esther 15.17 Valde enim mirabilis es, domine, et facies tua plena est gratiarum Esther 15.18 cumque loqueretur rursus corruit et pene exanimata est Esther 15.19 rex autem turbabatur et omnes ministri ejus consolabantur eam

Esther : Caput 15

Esther's Encounter with the King

Chapter 15 of the book of Esther immerses us in a pivotal moment in sacred history, when the courageous Esther appears before King Ahasuerus. This passage highlights the challenge she faces, a challenge that requires not only physical courage but also an unwavering trust in divine grace.

The Tension of the Appearance

Esther's appearance before the king is a risky move, but her favorable reception testifies to divine intervention. This intense chapter explores profound themes such as courage, divine grace, and the power of God's presence in critical moments. Esther 15 illustrates how God can bestow His favor in the most decisive moments of our lives.

Scripture Meditation

To deepen our understanding of the bold themes of this dramatic chapter, let's meditate on five illuminating biblical passages:

Proverbs 21:1

"The king's heart is like a river controlled by the Lord; he directs it wherever he wishes." This verse resonates particularly with the story of Esther 15, where divine intervention plays a crucial role in the king's decisions on behalf of God's people.

Psalms 121:1-2

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains and ask, 'Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.'" This passage evokes Esther's trust in God as she prepares to approach the king, an act of faith and determination.

Isaiah 41:10

"Therefore do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold him with my victorious right hand." This verse illustrates the divine support Esther receives in her moment of fear and hesitation.

Daniel 2:21

"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who understand." This passage highlights how God works behind the scenes to influence leaders, as is the case in the story of Esther.

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse testifies to the strength Esther receives to face the delicate situation before her, thus affirming her faith in God's power.

May these reflections nourish our faith and encourage us to rely on on the divine presence in our own challenges. Amen.