Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 2 - Verse 16

When studying the verse "And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.", it is important to understand the context in which it is spoken. This verse is part of the story of Queen Esther in the Book of Esther in the Bible. In this particular verse, Queen Esther is approaching King Xerxes to make a request in order to save her people, the Jews, from destruction. The phrase "And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not" shows Esther's urgency and desperation to make her appeal to the king. The following statement "And she said unto him, Say on." illustrates Esther's willingness to hear what the king has to say in response to her request. This verse showcases Esther's bravery and faith in approaching the king, risking her own life for the sake of her people. It serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the courage required to stand up for what is right, even in the face of great danger.

The theological interpretation of the verse "And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on." reveals the importance of persistence in prayer and the power of making specific requests known to God. This verse highlights the boldness and faith of the person speaking, showing how they are not afraid to ask for what they desire, trusting that God will hear and answer their prayer. It also emphasizes the willingness of the person to surrender their desires to God's will by asking Him not to deny them. This act of surrender and faith is a key aspect of a healthy prayer life and demonstrates complete reliance on God's guidance and provision. Furthermore, the response "Say on" can be viewed as a sign of respect and attentiveness, showing a willingness to listen and receive whatever message or request the other person has. Overall, this verse teaches us about the importance of persistence, faith, surrender, and attentiveness in our prayers to God.