Esther 4:12-13

Think not that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

In order to strengthen the indecision of Esther, and to overcome her timidity and womanly reserve, Mordecai assures her that the decree involves her as well as the rest of her race. The king may not be aware of that fact, but her jealous rivals in the king's household have doubtless learned it, and means will be taken under the decree to get rid of her. Not only for the preservation of the race, but for self-preservation, she must act.