Ahasuerus was known for his cruelty and despotism. This makes Esther’s speech all the more impressing. Not only did she plead for the Jews; she also associated herself with them, calling them my people.
She revealed her identity without having any guarantee that the king would value her life more than he had valued the life of former queen Vashti.
3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.