Esther's Dilemma

In chapter 3, from the book of Esther, the king promoted Haman to be the most powerful official in the kingdom.  All of the other officials were to bow down and show respect to him, as the king had commanded.

But Mordecai did not.

Over time, other officials noticed and advised Haman about it.  Haman spoke to the king, who then advised that because Mordecai was a Jew, all of his people would be put to death.  The order was sent all across the kingdom, with a date chosen almost a year from then to carry it out.

This concerned Mordecai as he did not wish the Lord's people to be sentenced to death.  By chapter 4, he gained Esther's attention and told her what was going to happen.  Mordecai then said she had to tell the king about it and plead with him not to carry out this order.  He then said this may be why she was chosen to be the queen, to save the Jews from uncertain death.

There was a problem with this.  She could not speak with the king without an invitation.  If someone came to the king unannounced, their life could be in jeopardy unless the king agreed that it was okay.

Hence, her dilemma.  Would she face death in order to plead her case before the king?