UBCNews - Business - Purim 101: How Queen Esther's Courage Saved A Nation & Why It Matters Today

Episode Date: March 11, 2026

So here's a question for everyone listening: Have you ever wondered what it takes to risk everything for what's right? Today we're looking at the ancient story of Purim and Queen Esther - a young woman who literally bet her life to save her people. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

So here's a question for everyone listening. Have you ever wondered what it takes to risk everything for what's right? Today we're looking at the ancient story of Purim and Queen Esther, a young woman who literally bet her life to save her people. And what a story it is? Purim celebrates Jewish survival against all odds. This goes back to the 5th century BC during the Persian Empire when the Jewish people faced a planned massacre.

Right, and the whole thing centers on Esther. She was this orphaned Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa, the capital city. She becomes queen of Persia, after King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes' wand, banished his first wife. Exactly, but here's the twist. Esther strategically hid her Jewish identity from the king.

Mordecai advised her to keep quiet about it, probably because it could have cost her everything. And then Haman enters the picture. He was the king's anti-Semitic advisor, who, um, got really offended when Mordecai refused to bow to him. Haman was enraged, so he hatched this horrifying plot to annihilate all the Jewish people in Persia. He even cast lots, called Porum, in ancient Persian, to determine the date of the genocide. That's where the holiday gets its name. That's chilling. So Esther had to make this impossible choice, right?

Absolutely. Mordecai begged her to reveal her a lot of her. identity to the king and intervene. But approaching the king without being summoned was punishable by death, and Ahasurus hadn't called for her in 30 days. Mm-hmm, I understand. So she was risking execution just by walking into his throne room. Mordecai told her something powerful. Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? That phrase has resonated through history. It's really a call to fulfilling your purpose when the moment arrives. That moment of decision. Incredible. What did Esther do? She called for a three-day fast. She asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray with her. This wasn't just food. It was seeking God's

strength and guidance in a crisis. You know, I remember reading Esther's story as a teenager and being struck by how she didn't go in alone. She rallied her community first. So she leaned hard on her faith. Definitely. And then she made her decision. I will go to the King, though it is contrary to the law, and if I perish, I perish. Those words show her resolve to do what's right, no matter the cost. She was willing to risk it all. That same resolve, that same commitment to doing what's right. That resolve really sets up our next piece, recognizing our own defining moments. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. This episode is brought to you by Wordsmith World. Wordsmith World releases

Christian-inspired narratives that nurture both faith and critical thinking among teenage readers. If you're looking for stories that blend faith with life and literature, see what Wordsmith World has to offer. Find out more at bettyjohansson.com. Picking up on that resolve, Esther showed, how do we actually recognize when we're in one of those defining moments ourselves? Great question. I think the first step is obedience to God and those who guide us in faith. Esther followed Mordecai's instructions even as Queen. She didn't act rashly.

She sought godly counsel. So listening to mentors, parents, spiritual leaders who can help us see clearly. Exactly. Second, prioritize prayer and fasting when you face tough decisions. Esther's three-day fast helped her focus on God and align her will with his. It clears out distractions so you can hear his voice. Makes sense. And third?

Be willing to take risks. for what's right. Esther approached the king knowing she could die. Doing the right thing often means stepping out of your comfort zone and facing consequences. But when you act in faith, God is with you. So what happened when she walked into that throne room? The king held out his golden scepter to her. She found favor in his sight and survived. Then she used wisdom. She didn't blurt out her request. She invited the king and Haman to two banquets. Smart strategy. She was using her position and experience to create the right moment. Right. At the second banquet, she revealed Haman's evil plot and begged the king to spare her people.

The king was outraged. Haman was hanged on the very gallows he'd built for Mordecai. Talk about poetic justice. Wow. And the Jewish people? A new decree allowed them to defend themselves. They defeated 75,000 attackers, including Haman's 10 sons. Due to Esther's courage, the Jewish people were saved for. from genocide.

And that's what Purim celebrates every year. Yes. Purim happens on the 14th day of Adar on the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in February or March. Jews read the Book of Esther aloud, wear costumes, exchange food gifts called Mishloch Manot, enjoy a festive meal and give to charity. Why the costumes? They're often linked to Esther masking her Jewish identity.

Also, the Book of Esther doesn't explicitly mention God's name, which leads to interpretations that God's intervention was hidden, working through natural events and human actions. So costumes echo that theme of disguise. Interesting. And they eat those triangular cookies, right? Hammond Tashon, they're shaped like Haman's triangular hat, symbolizing his downfall. A fun way to posthumously humiliate the villain. I mean, imagine being remembered as a cookie. that people eat to celebrate your defeat. Right, exactly. I love that.

So to everyone listening, what can we take from Esther's story today? Courage stays true to its own. Even in the palace, Esther never forgot her people or her faith. Courage also leans on God's strength and acts prudently. She fasted, prayed, and planned carefully. And courage knows which voices to ignore and which one to obey.

She could have listened to fear and doubt, but she chose to trust God's wisdom. Right. The story teaches us that even in exile, under foreign rule, faith and courageous action can overcome threats, a lesson in resilience, standing up against injustice, and the power of one person's courage. So here's my challenge.

What steps will you take this week to do what's right? Will you seek godly counsel, prioritize prayer, or take that bold step of faith? Remember, God is with you, guiding you as you seek to honor him. Let's learn from Esther and be people of courage and faith.