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.
Go and bring together all the Jewish people who are here in Shushan, and fast for me—don't eat or drink anything for three days and nights. My servant girls and I will fast the same way. After that, I will go to the king, even though it's against the law. And if I die because of it, then I die.
Queen Esther is asking her people to fast and pray as she prepares to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited to save the Jewish people from destruction.
📚 Historical Context
In the Persian Empire, approaching the king without being summoned was punishable by death unless he extended his golden scepter. Esther had learned of Haman's plot to destroy all Jews in the empire and realized she was their only hope for salvation. As queen, she had influence but still risked execution by breaking royal protocol.
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