Esther’s Prayer and God’s Providence: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Esther Greek Addition D

Executive Summary ✨

This passage from Esther (Greek Addition D) unveils the depths of Esther’s faith and humility as she prepares to approach the king. We see a woman torn between her duty to her people and the profound fear of violating the king’s law, a law punishable by death. Her prayer is a poignant appeal to God’s sovereignty, remembering His past deliverances of Israel and acknowledging her own insignificance. The commentary will explore how Esther’s trust in God’s providence, her willingness to risk her life, and her profound humility are examples for believers today. The passage also underscores the Coptic Orthodox understanding of intercessory prayer and God’s active intervention in human affairs. We examine how Esther’s heartfelt cries resonated with the Divine, ultimately leading to the salvation of her people. We will unpack the historical context, explore relevant Patristic insights, and offer practical applications for navigating the challenges of modern life through faith.

Esther’s approach to the King, detailed in Greek Addition D, is not just a historical event but a profound theological statement about faith, courage, and divine intervention. This passage is a powerful demonstration of how prayer, humility, and trust in God can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Let us delve into the verses and uncover the rich spiritual treasures hidden within, focusing on **Esther’s Prayer and God’s Providence**.

Commentary: Esther’s Plea for Deliverance

Esther’s Prayer (Greek Addition D, verses 1-3)

¹Then Esther the queen resorted unto the Lord, and put on her glorious apparel, and cried unto the Lord God of Abraham. ²And after that, she put on her glorious apparel, and cried unto the Lord God of Abraham. ³And after that, she put on her glorious apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. (KJV)

¹Then Esther the queen turned to the Lord, and put on her royal robes, and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal house, across from the gate of the house. ²And she continued in prayer unto the Lord God of Israel, saying: “O my Lord, Thou art the Lord of all, and there is no other God beside Thee. ³Thou hast made heaven and earth, and all things that are therein. (NKJV)

Esther’s actions are both practical and profoundly spiritual. She dons her royal apparel, signifying her position, but immediately turns to prayer. This highlights a critical balance: engaging with the world and relying completely on God. The repetition of putting on her apparel suggests a deliberate act of preparing herself both outwardly and inwardly. Esther acknowledges God as the Lord of Abraham, reminding herself and the reader of God’s covenant faithfulness throughout history. The phrase “cried unto the Lord” implies a deep, heartfelt, and urgent plea. In Coptic tradition, we understand that fervent prayer, born of genuine need, moves the heart of God. This is a poignant reminder that we, too, should turn to God in times of distress, remembering His covenant promises and His unwavering love.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius says, “Τὴν γὰρ εὐσέβειαν πρὸ πάντων ἀσκεῖν χρὴ, καὶ μὴ ταῖς ἀνθρωπίναις ἐλπίσι πιστεύειν,” which translates to, “For piety must be practiced above all, and not to trust in human hopes” (Contra Gentes, 47). Esther’s piety, exemplified by her fervent prayer, precedes her reliance on her royal robes and position.

Practical Application: Before facing any challenge, seek God’s guidance in prayer. Remember His faithfulness in the past and trust in His providence for the future. Invest in prayer support to strengthen your intentions and prayers.

Esther’s Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty (Greek Addition D, verses 4-9)

⁴And all things are possible unto thee; thou canst do all things, thou canst save all things. ⁵Thou art the Creator of all things, and thou art the Lord of all. ⁶Thou hast chosen Israel, and thou hast kept them as thine own. ⁷Thou hast delivered them from the hands of their enemies. ⁸Thou hast heard their cry, and thou hast helped them in their distress. ⁹And now, O Lord, hear my cry, and help me in my distress. (KJV)

⁴You are the Creator of all things, and You are the Lord of all. And all things are possible with You; You can do all things; You can save all things. ⁵O Lord, the Lord of Abraham! ⁶You have chosen Israel, and You have kept them as Your own; ⁷You have delivered them from the hands of their enemies. ⁸You have heard their cry, and You have helped them in their distress. ⁹And now, O Lord, hear my prayer, and help me in my distress, and deliver my people from the hand of their enemies. (NKJV)

These verses are a powerful declaration of God’s omnipotence and sovereignty. Esther acknowledges God as the creator and sustainer of all things, emphasizing that nothing is beyond His power. She recounts God’s past deliverances of Israel, reminding herself (and us) of His unwavering commitment to His people. By saying, “You have chosen Israel,” she recognizes God’s special relationship with His chosen people, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament and affirmed in the New Testament through Christ. She is essentially saying, “God, you have done this before; I trust you can do it again.” Her prayer is an act of faith, based on the historical evidence of God’s intervention. It’s a potent example for all believers today. If you are seeking support, check out our support services.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Οὐ γὰρ δύναται ὁ Θεὸς ἀμελῆσαι τῶν ἑαυτοῦ δημιουργημάτων,” meaning, “For God cannot neglect His own creation” (Commentary on John, Book 1, Chapter 4). This resonates with Esther’s unwavering belief in God’s active involvement in the world and His care for His people.

Practical Application: When facing seemingly impossible situations, remind yourself of God’s power and His past faithfulness. Recite scripture verses that declare His sovereignty and His promises. Trust that He is still in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.

Esther’s Humility and Dependence on God (Greek Addition D, verses 10-14)

¹⁰Deliver me from my fear, and let not my hand be against my own soul. ¹¹For I am but a poor handmaid, and have no power to stand before thee. ¹²But thou art the Lord, and thou canst do all things. ¹³Thou canst turn the heart of the king, and thou canst deliver me from his wrath. ¹⁴O Lord, save thy people, and let not thine inheritance be destroyed. (KJV)

¹⁰Deliver me from my fear, and let not my hand be against my own soul; for I am but a poor handmaid, and I have no strength to stand before You. ¹¹For You are the Lord, and You can do all things; ¹²You can turn the heart of the king and deliver me from his wrath. ¹³O Lord, deliver Your people and let not Your inheritance be destroyed. (NKJV)

Esther’s humility shines through in these verses. She acknowledges her weakness and dependence on God. Her statement, “I am but a poor handmaid,” is not false modesty but a genuine recognition of her insignificance in the grand scheme of things. This humility is essential for receiving God’s grace. She recognizes that the king’s heart is in God’s hands and that only He can change it. Her prayer is not just for her own safety but for the salvation of her people. She understands that she is an instrument in God’s hands, and her fate is intertwined with the fate of Israel.

Patristic Insight: St. Macarius the Great teaches, “Ἡ ταπεινοφροσύνη βάσις πασῶν τῶν ἀρετῶν,” which translates to, “Humility is the foundation of all virtues” (Homilies, Homily 11). Esther’s humility paves the way for God to work through her. Without humility, our actions, even if seemingly righteous, can become self-serving and devoid of divine grace.

Practical Application: Cultivate humility in your daily life. Recognize your limitations and acknowledge your dependence on God. Seek His guidance in all your decisions and actions. Remember that true strength comes from surrendering to God’s will.

Key Reflections on Esther’s Prayer 💡

From Esther’s prayer, we can glean several crucial spiritual insights:

• Prayer as a Lifeline: Esther’s immediate response to the crisis was prayer, highlighting its vital role in facing challenges.
• Acknowledgement of God’s Sovereignty: Her prayer acknowledges God’s power and control over all things, fostering trust and hope.
• Humility Before God: Esther’s humble recognition of her own limitations allowed her to rely fully on God’s strength.
• Intercession for Others: She prayed not just for herself but for her entire people, demonstrating selflessness and compassion.
• Faithful Remembrance: She recalled God’s past acts of deliverance, reinforcing her faith in His ability to act again.
• Courageous Action: Prayer empowered Esther to act boldly, knowing God was with her.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is Esther’s prayer so important in the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

A: Esther’s prayer exemplifies the power of intercession, humility, and unwavering faith in God’s providence. It reinforces the Coptic belief in the active role of God in human affairs and the effectiveness of fervent prayer in seeking His intervention.

Q: How does Esther’s story relate to the concept of “theosis” (deification) in the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

A: While Esther doesn’t become divine, her cooperation with God’s will, her humility, and her courage reflect the process of growing closer to God. Through these virtues, she becomes an instrument of God’s grace, reflecting His image and likeness, which aligns with the concept of “theosis,” or becoming more like Christ.

Q: What can we learn from Esther’s example about balancing faith and action?

A: Esther’s story teaches us that faith and action are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. She prayed fervently, but she also took concrete steps, like adorning herself in royal robes and approaching the king. True faith empowers us to act courageously, trusting that God will guide our steps.

Q: How can we apply Esther’s approach to prayer in our own lives?

A: We can emulate Esther’s approach by cultivating humility, acknowledging God’s sovereignty, remembering His past faithfulness, and praying not only for our own needs but also for the needs of others. We should also be prepared to act on our prayers, trusting that God will empower us to do His will.

Conclusion

Esther’s Prayer, as recorded in Greek Addition D, stands as a beacon of faith and courage. Her example teaches us the importance of humility, dependence on God, and intercessory prayer. By acknowledging her own weakness and trusting in God’s power, Esther became an instrument of deliverance for her people. In a world often characterized by fear and uncertainty, we can draw strength from Esther’s unwavering faith. Her story reminds us that God is always present and actively involved in our lives. Let us, therefore, emulate Esther’s approach to prayer, and trust in **Esther’s Prayer and God’s Providence** to navigate the challenges that come our way, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

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Esther, Prayer, Coptic Orthodox, Providence, Humility, Faith, Intercession, Deliverance, Greek Addition, Bible Commentary

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Explore Esther’s Prayer (Greek Addition D) with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover spiritual insights on faith, humility, and God’s providence for modern life.