1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
2 And came even before the king’s gate: for none [might] enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
3 And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, [there was] great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told [it] her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received [it] not.
5 Then called Esther for Hatach, [one] of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it [was], and why it [was].
6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which [was] before the king’s gate.
7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew [it] unto Esther, and to declare [it] unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?
15 Then Esther bade [them] return Mordecai [this answer],
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Overview of Esther Chapter 4
Esther Chapter 4 is a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, showcasing themes of courage, identity, and divine providence. This chapter highlights the response of Esther and her cousin Mordecai to a grave threat against the Jewish people, orchestrated by the antagonist Haman. The chapter emphasizes the importance of taking action in the face of adversity and the role of faith in overcoming challenges.
Key Characters
- Mordecai: Esther’s cousin and guardian, who plays a crucial role in informing Esther about the impending danger to the Jews.
- Esther: The Jewish queen of Persia, who must navigate her identity and responsibilities to her people.
- Haman: The antagonist whose plot to annihilate the Jews sets the stage for the conflict in this chapter.
Summary of Events
- Mordecai’s Mourning: The chapter opens with Mordecai learning about Haman’s decree to kill all Jews. He mourns deeply, wearing sackcloth and ashes, which signifies his grief and despair.
- Esther’s Concern: Esther, unaware of the full extent of the situation, sends garments to Mordecai to alleviate his distress. Mordecai refuses to accept them, prompting Esther to investigate the matter further.
- Mordecai’s Message: Through a messenger, Mordecai reveals the details of Haman’s plot and implores Esther to intercede with King Xerxes on behalf of the Jews.
- Esther’s Hesitation: Esther expresses her fears about approaching the king without being summoned, as this could lead to her death. Mordecai responds with a powerful message about her identity and purpose.
- Mordecai’s Challenge: He reminds Esther that her position as queen does not exempt her from the fate of the Jews and suggests that her rise to power may have been for such a time as this.
- Esther’s Resolve: Inspired by Mordecai’s words, Esther agrees to take action. She asks Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days, demonstrating her commitment to seeking divine assistance.
Thematic Analysis
- Courage and Action: Esther’s decision to approach the king reflects immense courage, highlighting the necessity of taking risks for the greater good.
- Identity and Purpose: The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s identity and the potential divine purpose behind one’s circumstances.
- Faith and Providence: The call to fasting suggests a reliance on God’s providence, indicating that spiritual preparation is essential in times of crisis.
Significant Verses
- Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
- Esther 4:16: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.”
Conclusion
Esther Chapter 4 serves as a turning point in the narrative, emphasizing the themes of courage, identity, and divine purpose. It challenges readers to reflect on their own circumstances and the potential impact of their actions in the face of injustice. The chapter sets the stage for Esther’s courageous act of advocacy, which will unfold in the subsequent chapters.
