An edict has gone out across the Persian kingdom and Jews and Gentiles alike are confused, afraid, and horrified. Esther, protected in the palace from many of the realities of daily life, seems to be unaware of the situation until Mordecai brings it to her attention. Now, with all the evidence of God's providence clearly before her, she has a decision to make: will she go deeper into her assimilation as the Persian star, Queen Esther, or dig deep and finally identify with her people as Hadassah, one who could potentially be used by God to save her people from destruction? This passage brings us to the deciding moment and we await the answer eagerly: will Esther have courage that is deeply rooted in God's providence?

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