Scene Six: Narration (Based on Esther 4:1-12)
With the signet ring’s stamp on the documents ordering the Jew’s execution, the decree could not be revoked. That meant that even if the King changed his mind, the Jews would still have to be slaughtered. The only way it could be revoked is if the King sent out a separate decree ordering the murder to be stopped. It did not look like that was going to happen.
Esther was told about the decree by Mordecai, who convinced her that she was probably the only person who could influence the King to change his mind. But she had to be quick. There was another problem though. No-one was allowed to go to see the King without prior invitation from him. Anyone approaching his throne without invitation, was in danger of being executed on the spot. If the king did not hold out his sceptre towards the person approaching, it meant that he wasn’t pleased to see them and therefore they would be dead in the next second.
Would the king be pleased to see Esther? Would he hold out his sceptre to her if she went into his courts? He hadn’t called her into his presence for quite some time. Was he bored with her and looking for a new queen? She didn’t know the answer to any of these questions, but something had to be done.
Scene Six: “Shall I Go?” (Based on Esther 4:13-17)
ESTHER
A spear shall go through
every woman’s chest,
even those still nursing,
babies at their breast.
Before each young man,
has risen from his bed,
a soldier will rush in
and chop off his head.
There will be no end,
to this calamity.
They’ll even take the children,
and throw them in the sea.
What can I do,
before this evil day arrives?
Do I have the power,
to save my people’s lives?
I could go to the King,
and tell him of the plan,
but I have to be careful,
for he’s a fearful man.
The idea that I have,
needs some careful thought.
I need the favour of God,
when I step into the court.
If the King’s not pleased to see me,
I know just what he’ll do,
his anger will be stirred,
and I will lose my life too.
Perhaps I should not go?
No. I must try.
If I do nothing for my people,
I may still die.
(pause)
I need time to pray,
I need time to think,
for three days and nights,
I’ll not eat nor drink.
I’ll bow before my God,
and ask him what to do,
then I’ll have patience
and wait for my cue.
(pause)
With God going before me,
I can do any brave thing,
I will enter the court,
and stand before the King.
I have a purpose to fulfil.
This chance, I dare not miss.
Could it be I was born,
for such at time as this?
