“For Such A Time As This”

Queen Esther is depicted here at the conclusion of her three-day fast, which was a preparation for her supplication before the Persian King, Ahaserus.  The theme of the painting is the power and efficacy of fasting, coupled with prayer.  Indeed, as Isaiah states, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose he bands of wickedness...to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke....thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.  Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer...(Isaiah 58:6,8-9).”  Esther’s plea is heard and her people are released from the wicked edict inspired by the King”s servant Haman.  Prayer itself, however, is not mentioned in Esther’s request to the Jewish people (see Esther 4:16), The Book of Mormon makes clear the vital link between prayer and fasting (see Alma 6:6, 17:9, 30:2; Helaman 3:35).  Thus, Esther is shown here in an attitude of prayer and supplication.

The rug on which the figure kneels features geometric designs and “gul,” characteristic of carpets from Central Asia created by the Turkmen tribes, north of modern-day Iran (Curatola 103, 106, 196). This elment symbolizes the extent of the Persian empire during Ahazerus’ reign, which “stretched from India to Ethiopia and from the Caucasus Mountains to the Arabian Sea” (Great people of the Bible and how they lived, 264).

The small blooms of narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) scattered before her symbolize her purity.  They are also native to Palestine and, according to scholar Nigel Hepper, could be what Solomon refers to as the “rose of Sharon” (Hepper 46).  Therefore, in this painting they symbolize that she is Jewish, a fact she had concealed prior to her interview with Ahaserus (see Esther 2:10).

The figure’s surroundings include marble pillars (mentioned in Esther 1:6) and black marble flooring that stretches out in front of her (see also Esther 1:6). The palace (built by Ahaserus’ father, Darius) at Shushan is famous for its “hall of pillars” (see Educational Heritage 196).

The abundant landscape beyond the palace symbolizes Isaiah’s writings that promise those who fast that they “shall be like a watered garden...rdquo; (Isaiah 58:11).