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Esther 4:16 Cross References
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Esther 4:16. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Esther 4:16 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Esther 4:16 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
Acts 20:24 (KJV) »
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
2 Chronicles 20:3 (KJV) »
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Joel 2:12 (KJV) »
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Luke 9:24 (KJV) »
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Jonah 3:4 (KJV) »
And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
Genesis 18:19 (KJV) »
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV) »
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Genesis 43:14 (KJV) »
And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
Joel 1:14 (KJV) »
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,
Esther 5:1 (KJV) »
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal 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.
Isaiah 22:12 (KJV) »
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
Romans 16:4 (KJV) »
Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Philippians 2:30 (KJV) »
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
2 Samuel 10:12 (KJV) »
Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
Acts 10:7 (KJV) »
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
Acts 21:13 (KJV) »
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Matthew 12:40 (KJV) »
For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Acts 27:33 (KJV) »
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
1 Samuel 19:5 (KJV) »
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
Esther 4:16 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Esther 4:16
Esther 4:16 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Esther, where Queen Esther is called to take a courageous stand for her people. The verse states:
"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
Verse Breakdown and Meaning
This verse reflects Esther's deep sense of duty and bravery, recognizing the grave risk of approaching the king without invitation. The call to fast demonstrates both a communal effort and reliance on divine intervention, reflecting a crucial theme of faith and action.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Insights
Henry emphasizes the importance of Esther's resolve. He notes:
- The Depth of Danger: The laws of Persia dictated severe consequences for approaching the king uncalled, showcasing Esther's significant risk.
- The Power of Fasting: Fasting is seen as an essential element of seeking God’s favor and strength in times of distress.
- Community Support: Esther's call for collective fasting signifies the importance of unity among God’s people in urgent matters.
- Faith Over Fear: Her declaration "if I perish, I perish" illustrates profound faith, acting in boldness despite potential peril.
Albert Barnes' Commentary Insights
Barnes notes the following key aspects:
- Esther's Leadership Role: This event highlights Esther's evolution into a leader willing to confront oppression for her people.
- Divine Providence: The fasting serves as a petition for divine guidance, indicating Esther recognized a higher authority overseeing her circumstances.
- Precedent in Scripture: Barnes connects this moment to the practices of other Biblical figures who sought God's intervention through fasting and prayer.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Insights
Clarke provides a nuanced understanding by focusing on:
- The Cultural Context: He explains the significance of Esther's actions within the Persian cultural framework and the laws governing royal protocol.
- The Symbolism of Fasting: Clarke reflects on fasting as a powerful act of humility and seeking God's direction.
Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts
To enrich the understanding of Esther 4:16, we can examine relevant cross-references:
- Esther 3:12-15: The origin of the decree against Jews, which sets the context for Esther’s decisive action.
- Exodus 28:29: Discusses the high priest's role in advocating for the people, prefiguring Esther’s intercessory stance.
- Acts 13:2: The early church also engaged in fasting before important decisions, showing continuity of this practice.
- Matthew 17:21: Jesus speaks of prayer and fasting as keys to overcoming great challenges.
- James 5:16: Encourages prayer with fervency, paralleling the urgency in Esther’s plea.
- Psalms 35:13: David's practice of fasting for others illustrates another scriptural basis for communal fasting.
- Nehemiah 1:4-11: Nehemiah’s reaction to distress is similarly marked by prayer and fasting as he seeks restoration for his people.
Thematic Connections
The themes in Esther 4:16 resonate across the Bible in various forms:
- Courage and Faith: Many figures in the Bible exhibit courage in face of adversity, reminiscent of Esther's boldness.
- Intercession: The role of figures like Moses and Jesus as intercessors parallels Esther's plea for her people.
- Community in Crisis: The necessity of uniting in prayer and supplication is seen throughout scripture, enhancing the theme of collective faith.
Conclusion
Esther 4:16 encapsulates critical elements such as bravery, faith, and community, embodying how believers are called to respond in times of crisis. The shared action of fasting links Esther to a deeper tradition of seeking God’s intervention, inviting contemporary believers to explore their own faith journeys through similar acts and communal prayers.
Further Study Suggestions
To deepen your understanding of this verse and its connections, consider:
- Utilizing a Bible concordance to explore related themes and individuals.
- Engaging in cross-reference Bible study methods to uncover connections between this and other scriptures.
- Searching for Bible verses that relate to each other under the themes of courage, prayer, and community action.