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SAINTS + PARABLES · TOLD GENTLY

Esther, the Brave Queen

“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 · KJV

The verse anchor

“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14 · King James Bible

The story

Long ago in a great Persian palace, there lived a young Jewish girl named Esther. She was very beautiful, but that is not the important thing. She was brave, and that is.

By a strange series of events, Esther became the queen — but nobody in the palace knew she was Jewish. Her cousin Mordecai told her to keep it a secret. She was safe, in silk clothes, in a golden palace. Life was quiet and comfortable.

Then a very cruel man named Haman decided he wanted to destroy every Jewish person in the whole kingdom. He tricked the king into signing the order. Mordecai wept in the streets. He sent a message to Esther: "Perhaps this is why God made you queen — for such a time as this."

Esther was afraid. To go to the king without being called could cost her life. But she said, "Fast for me for three days. If I perish, I perish."

She put on her royal robes, and she walked into the throne room without being invited. The king held out his golden scepter. She lived. She invited him to dinner. She spoke the truth. She said, "I am Jewish. This wicked man is trying to destroy my people."

The king was furious with Haman. He saved the Jews. And every year since, Jewish families remember: God saved us through the courage of one very frightened, very brave young queen.

Memory verse

“The LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Joshua 1:9 · KJV

Say it three times before bed. In seven days you will know it forever.

A prayer

Father, when I am afraid to do the right thing, remind me that You are with me.
Make me brave, like Esther.
Amen.

Reflection · for the household

Esther teaches children that God does not always send an angel; sometimes He sends a child raised in the right household at the right moment. The phrase "for such a time as this" is not a coincidence to be marveled at — it is a call to be answered. Every child has an Esther-moment; the household is where the courage is grown.

Family Application

  • MorningAsk, "Is there a small, brave, right thing waiting for me today?"
  • EveningThank God for placing our family exactly where He needs us to be.
  • ChildrenDraw a small figure walking through a big doorway. Above them write: 'For such a time as this.'

Family Discussion Questions

  • 1Why did Esther have to be brave?
  • 2What is our family's 'for such a time as this' calling right now?
  • 3How does knowing God is with us change how we do hard things?

Related Scripture

  • “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
    Esther 4:14 · KJV
  • “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid... for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
    Joshua 1:9 · KJV
  • “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
    Philippians 4:13 · KJV

Companion Hymn

For Such a Time as This

An original hymn written to sit beside this story · Soft orchestral · warm horns + strings

Best listened to as a bedtime hymn beside a child. Around 3-5 minutes.

← Walk back to the front door