That’s exactly where our story finds her. According to Legends of the Jews, Esther stood frozen in the fourth chamber, paralyzed by fear. The guards, who had let her pass through their posts, were now powerless to help. The other guards had no reason to interfere – yet.
But the courtiers? Oh, they were already counting her out! Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews paints a vivid picture: Haman’s sons, those vipers, were already dividing up Esther's jewels and casting lots for her royal purple robes. They were so sure of her imminent demise.
Esther understood the gravity of her situation. "Eli, Eli, lamah azabtani," she cried out. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These aren't just words of despair; they're the very words that found their way into the Psalms of King David, a testament to the universal experience of feeling abandoned in times of crisis.
But here’s where the story takes a turn. Esther placed her trust in God. And He answered.
Legends of the Jews tells us that three angels were sent to assist her. Talk about divine intervention! The first angel, with incredible artistry, enveloped her face with "threads of grace" – imbuing her with an irresistible allure. The second angel lifted her head, giving her an air of regal confidence. And the third angel? Well, the third angel stretched out Ahasuerus's scepter until it touched her.
Now, here's an interesting detail: the king actually tried to avoid looking at Esther. He knew he shouldn’t be seeing her. But the angels, they weren’t having any of that! They forced him to turn his gaze toward her, and he was instantly captivated by her charm. Talk about a cosmic assist!
What does this story teach us? Perhaps it's about the power of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. Or maybe it highlights the importance of courage, even when we feel utterly alone. It reminds us that sometimes, just sometimes, a little divine intervention – and a few well-placed angels – can change everything.