Book of Esther - Chapter 4

Synopsis

Mordecai and Jews everywhere mourn when the learn of the king's decree. Mordecai tells the eunuch Hathach, who informs Esther about the Jews impending destruction. She decides to risk her life by going to see King Ahasuerus without an invitation.

Characters

King's Palace in Susa

Commentary

(4:1) ... Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and biter cry.

(R) Mordecai realizes the Jews need to get out of their complacency.
(4:9) And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. (DD) Why didn't Esther know about the edict? Perhaps she was illiterate.
(4:13,14) Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish.

(R) Mordecai is telling Esther the Jews will prevail anyway. Does she want to be part of it?

(DD) Josephus claimed this was a veiled allusion to God.

(AC) Haman knew something of the relationship between Mordecai and Esther; and therefore he gives her to understand that, although in the king's palace, she should no more escape than the Jews.
(4:15,16) Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. ..."

(R) Fasting provides a means of perseverance in prayer. The physical dimension of our life decreases and the spiritual dimension increases.

Selected Biblical References
(4:16) "... Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."

Much to talk about here. Fear vs. Faith, mortal death vs. spiritual death.

Discussion Questions

Created by Karl Stock, April, 2018