Esther 4:8
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Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Mordochai's Mourning on account of the Decree for the Assassination of the Jews, and His Admonition to Esther to Intercede for Her People - Esther 4 When Mordochai heard what had happened, he went mourning and lamenting about the city, and even to the king's gate; and the decree of Haman occasioned great lamentations among the Jews in all the provinces of the kingdom (Est 4:1-3). When Queen Esther heard through her maids and courtiers of Mordochai's mourning, she sent him raiment that he might put off his mourning garb, but he refused to do so. She then sent an eunuch to him to inquire more particularly as to its cause. Mordochai informed him of all that had happened, giving him a copy of the decree to show to Esther, and charging her to entreat the king's favour for her people (Est 4:4-8). The queen, however, expressed her hesitation to go in unto the king unsummoned, but upon Mordochai's repeated admonition, resolved to make the desired attempt, at the peril of her life (Est 4:9-17).
Open source ↗We left God's Isaac bound upon the altar and ready to be sacrificed, and the enemies triumphing in the prospect of it; but things here begin to work towards a deliverance, and they begin at the right end. I. The Jews' friends lay to heart the danger and lament it (Est 4:1-4). II. Matters are concerted between Mordecai and Esther for the preventing of it. 1. Esther enquires into this case, and receives a particular account of it (Est 4:5-7). 2. Mordecai urges her to intercede with the king for a revocation of the edict (Est 4:8, Est 4:9). III. Esther objects the danger of addressing the king uncalled (Est 4:10-12). IV. Mordecai presses her to venture (Est 4:13, Est 4:14). V. Esther, after a religious fast of three days, promises to do so (Est 4:15-17), and we shall find that she sped well.
Open source ↗4:8 A copy of the decree with the king’s seal would prove to Esther the seriousness of the situation. • to beg for mercy: Mordecai gave Esther no reasons to present to the king, only an appeal to the king’s mercy and Esther’s influence on him on behalf of her own people.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy.
Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care.
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:
For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”
Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food.
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.