The answer is: Three days and nights

Esther 4:16

When Esther decided to approach King Xerxes about the grave threat facing her people, she declared, "Fast for me for three days and nights." This act of fasting was not just about abstaining from food but served as a profound statement of reliance on something greater than herself—maybe divine intervention. Fasting, it seems, has a long biblical tradition, reflecting deep commitment and urgency in almost every encounter with the divine in scripture.

Pipeline that a fresh perspective allows us to delve into. Esther's choice to fast for precisely three days and nights can remind us of other significant three-day spans—most notably, Jonah in the belly of the fish and the resurrection of Jesus. Three has friendly ties to the notion of completeness or perfection in biblical literature. Whenever we see the number three, it's like a heavenly spotlight pointing to a big moment that changes everything.

Fascinatingly, Esther was likely one of the few people in her context who held such a place of influence while also being a Jewish woman, reflecting incredible courage and tenacity. The resonating themes of bravery, sacrifice, and reliance underscore her decision to unabashedly confront risk for a higher cause. So much like Esther herself, she embodies the message to be bold in both heart and spirit when standing up for what is right—because sometimes, taking that first step requires not just courage, but clarity that comes from inner reflection and community support!