Applying Esther's Prioritization of Others in Decision-Making
Esther's Prioritization of Others in Decision-Making
Esther's decision-making is characterized by her prioritization of others, particularly her people, the Jews. When faced with the edict to destroy her people, Esther is deeply distressed and decides to act [2]. Her actions demonstrate a selfless concern for the welfare of others, as she risks her own life to plead with King Ahasuerus to spare her people [3].
Esther's prioritization of others is evident in her initial hesitation to approach the king. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Mordecai urges Esther to take action, believing that she was elevated to the position of queen for such a time as this [4]. Esther's decision to host a banquet for the king and Haman is seen as a strategic move to gain the king's favor and create an opportunity to plead her case [1, 5]. Adam Clarke notes that Esther's request for a second banquet was a deliberate attempt to ingratiate herself further with the king and secure the success of her design [5].
Esther's prioritization of others is not limited to her people; she also shows respect and deference to the king. When she finally reveals her request, she does so in a humble and gracious manner, appealing to the king's sense of justice and compassion [3]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown observe that Esther's plea is emotional and heartfelt, emphasizing the atrocity of the planned massacre and the king's responsibility to act [6].
The prioritization of others is a theme that is echoed in other Christian traditions. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, writes about the importance of preferring one another in honor, citing Romans 12:10 [7]. This theme is relevant to Esther's actions, as she prioritizes the needs of her people and the king's favor over her own safety and comfort.
Esther's story highlights the importance of considering the impact of one's decisions on others. Her selfless actions demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of those around her, even in the face of great personal risk. As seen in her initial selection as queen, Esther's character and actions were deemed favorable by the king, and she was elevated to a position of influence [8]. Her decision to host a banquet for the king and Haman is a further example of her strategic and selfless approach to decision-making [9].
The application of Esther's prioritization of others in decision-making involves considering the potential consequences of one's actions on those around them. It requires a willingness to take risks and act selflessly, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. By examining Esther's actions and the commentary of various Christian traditions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of prioritizing others in our own decision-making processes.
In the context of Esther's story, prioritizing others means being willing to act courageously and strategically to achieve a greater good. It involves being mindful of the potential impact of one's actions on others and being willing to take risks to achieve a positive outcome. As Esther's story demonstrates, this approach to decision-making can lead to remarkable outcomes and a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The historical and cultural context of Esther's story also highlights the complexities of decision-making in a royal court. Esther's actions are influenced by the cultural norms and expectations of the Persian court, and her decisions are shaped by her position as queen and her relationship with the king. Understanding this context is essential to appreciating the nuances of Esther's decision-making and the ways in which she prioritizes others.
Sources
- Esther “If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king has said.” -- Esther 5:8”
- Esther “Esther 8:6 (LITV) — For how shall I be able to look on the evil that shall find my people? Or how shall I be able to look on the slaughter of my kindred?”
- Esther “Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. -- Esther 7:3”
- Esther (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Esther 4:13: Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther--His answer was to this effect, that Esther need not indulge the vain hope she would, from her royal connection, escape the general doom of her race--that he (Mordecai) confidently believed God would interpose, and, if not through her, by some other deliverer, save His people; but that the duty evidently devolved on her, as there was great reason to believe that this was the design of Providence in her elevation to the dignity of queen, and therefore that she should go with a courageous heart, not doubting of su”
- Esther (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Esther 5:8: I will do to-morrow - She saw she was gaining on the king's affections; but she was not yet sufficiently confident; and therefore wished another interview, that she might ingratiate herself more fully in the king's favor, and thus secure the success of her design. But Providence disposed of things thus, to give time for the important event mentioned in the succeeding chapter.”
- Esther (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Esther 7 (introduction): ESTHER PLEADS FOR HER OWN LIFE AND THE LIFE OF HER PEOPLE. (Est 7:1-6) we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed--that is, by the cruel and perfidious scheme of that man, who offered an immense sum of money to purchase our extermination. Esther dwelt on his contemplated atrocity, in a variety of expressions, which both evinced the depth of her own emotions, and were intended to awaken similar feelings in the king's breast. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue--Though a great calamity to the Jews, th”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: towards another, that is, be friends, and warm ones too. Do not wait to be loved by another, but leap at it thyself, and be the first to begin it. For so wilt thou reap the wages of his love also. Having mentioned the reason then why we ought to love one another, he tells us also the way in which the affection may grow unchangeable. Whence he proceeds, “In honor preferring one another.” For this is the way that affection is produced, and also when produced abideth. And there is nothing which makes friends so much, as the earnest endeavor to overcome ”
- Esther (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Esther 2:17: the king loved Esther above all the women--The choice fell on Esther, who found favor in the eyes of Ahasuerus. He elevated her to the dignity of chief wife, or queen. The other competitors had apartments assigned them in the royal harem, and were retained in the rank of secondary wives, of whom Oriental princes have a great number. he set the royal crown upon her head--This consisted only of a purple ribbon, streaked with white, bound round the forehead. The nuptials were celebrated by a magnificent entertainment, and, in honor of the auspicious occ”
- Esther (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Esther 5:4: let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him--There was great address in this procedure of Esther's; for, by showing such high respect to the king's favorite, she would the better insinuate herself into the royal affections; and gain a more suitable opportunity of making known her request.”