Esther 4 looks at two individuals who are part of same ethnic group. Their lives have been intertwined but are now separated. They communicate in this story but do not meet. One weeps outside the palace walls, while the other lives in comfort and supposed safety tucked behind the palace walls. However, this chapter shows that Esther must choose- will she remain as the queen with all the privileges that come with that life? Or will she identify with God’s people, possibly lose her position as queen, and risk her life to seek the salvation and preservation of the Jews?

1. An Ethnic Crisis
2. An Identity Crisis
3. The Need for a Mediator