The answer is: Three days and nights

Esther 4:16

Ah, the story of Esther—what a riveting tale packed with bravery and clever strategy! When Esther declared that she would fast for three days and nights before approaching the king, she displayed immense courage and self-sacrifice. In the ancient world, approaching the king uninvited could get you the death sentence; he was seen as the supreme power. Her act of fasting wasn’t just a personal choice but rooted deeply in a cultural tradition that valued prayer and supplication.

Now, let’s pause and consider the significance of a three-day fast. You might recall another prominent biblical figure, Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a great fish, setting the stage for his mission in Nineveh. The number three often signifies completeness and truth—as in the Trinity seen in Christian thought or Peter denying Jesus thrice.

What's even more interesting is how this three-day fasting pattern finds resonance in Jewish practices ever since, with Yom Kippur featuring intense reflections and fast. The tradition also continues in various spiritual practices today, emphasizing self-denial as a path to enlightenment or clarity.

Esther didn’t just fast for herself; she sought strength and guidance to confront a dire situation threatening her people. This highlights a critical lesson about taking courageous actions for the greater good, a quality many admire across cultures and ages. It inspires us to think how we maintain our own moral courage in today's world!