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;
And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
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.
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.
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.
So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
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.
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.
And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
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.
And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
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?
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
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.
So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Esther 4 offers a powerful narrative of crisis, courage, and divine purpose, revealing how God orchestrates events and calls individuals to play vital roles in His unfolding plan. This chapter highlights the profound grief of the Jewish people, Esther's initial hesitation, and Mordecai's compelling call to action, ultimately leading Esther to a pivotal decision that would change the course of history. The themes of Esther 4, optimized for Esther 4 keyword searches, resonate deeply with believers today, reminding us that God positions us strategically for His purposes.
Mourning and Despair (Esther 4:1-3)
The chapter opens with Mordecai's dramatic display of grief upon learning of Haman's genocidal plot. Previously, Mordecai had stood firm in his refusal to bow to Haman (Esther 3:1-4), but now, faced with the imminent destruction of his people, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and cried loudly and bitterly (Esther 4:1). This was not merely personal sorrow; it was a public expression of profound anguish, a visible sign of the spiritual warfare raging around them. This intense mourning extended to the Jewish people in every province (Esther 4:3), illustrating the widespread terror and despair that gripped the nation. Satan was actively seeking to destroy God’s covenant people, and Haman was a willing accomplice.
Esther's Initial Response and Mordecai's Plea (Esther 4:4-9)
News of Mordecai's distress reached Esther within the palace walls. Initially unaware of the king's decree, she sent clothes for him to wear, attempting to alleviate his suffering (Esther 4:4). However, Mordecai refused the garments, prompting Esther to send a messenger to discover the cause of his grief (Esther 4:6). Mordecai then revealed the full extent of the danger, sharing a copy of the written decree ordering the execution of the Jews (Esther 4:7). His message to Esther was direct and urgent: "approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally on behalf of our people" (Esther 4:8).
Mordecai's plea marked a turning point. He had previously advised Esther to conceal her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10), likely due to the prevailing anti-Semitic sentiment. Now, he urged her to reveal her true identity and use her position to intervene. The time had come for God to use her for her ultimate purpose. Just as Esther had been providentially positioned to leverage influence for God’s kingdom purposes, we must recognize that whatever blessings God bestows on us are intended for us to bless others.
The Dilemma and the Danger (Esther 4:10-12)
Esther faced a daunting dilemma. Approaching the king uninvited was a perilous act, punishable by death unless he extended his golden scepter (Esther 4:11). She had not been summoned to appear before the king for thirty days, suggesting a possible cooling of their relationship. Five years had passed since their wedding, and the honeymoon was over. Whether this was due to a falling out or the king's waning interest, the reality remained: entering Ahasuerus’s presence uninvited was a life-threatening risk.
Esther's hesitation highlights a crucial point: she seemed to have forgotten that her rise to power was not solely due to her own merit but to God's grace. We are what we are by the grace of God. Extraordinary experiences and opportunities that we are granted are not merely for our sake, but for the sake of God’s kingdom agenda. When we lose sight of that, we miss God’s kingdom program in history and become useless to him. Like salt that has lost its savor (Matthew 5:13), we lose our purpose when we forget the source and purpose of our blessings.
Mordecai's Stern Warning and Prophetic Insight (Esther 4:13-14)
Mordecai responded to Esther's hesitation with a stern warning: "Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you will escape any more than all the other Jews" (Esther 4:13). He underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that her royal status would not protect her from the impending doom.
More than a warning, Mordecai offered a profound theological insight: "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 4:14). Mordecai recognized God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant. God had promised to bless all the peoples of the earth through Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 12:3), so He would not allow His entire people to be wiped out. Even if Esther refused to act, God would accomplish His purposes through another means. However, by refusing to use her position for kingdom influence, Esther would miss a unique opportunity to serve God and would face dire consequences.
This is a crucial reminder that God is sovereign and will accomplish His program with or without us. He desires to use us, but no one is indispensable. If we refuse to obey Him, He will still carry out His agenda through someone else, and we will miss an opportunity to serve His kingdom purposes.
Mordecai's question, "who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” is the heart of the book of Esther. It challenges us to consider whether God has placed us in our current circumstances for a specific purpose. Similarly, the church of Jesus Christ is called to accomplish kingdom purposes. If a local church is not winning the lost to Christ and discipling them in the faith so that they can have a heavenly influence on earth, it has failed in its calling. You have been called to God’s kingdom for such a time as this. Whose agenda will you follow?
Esther's Courageous Decision (Esther 4:15-17)
Esther, spurred by Mordecai's words, made a courageous decision. She instructed Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray for her for three days, and she and her attendants would do the same. Then, she declared, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).
Esther's response demonstrates a remarkable step of faith. She recognized the inherent danger, yet she prioritized obedience to God's call over her own safety. Her willingness to risk her life echoes the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:1-30) and Daniel (Daniel 6:1-24), who chose to obey God even in the face of certain death. Esther knew that to do the right thing would require a risky step of faith. The human king had forbidden her to approach him uninvited. But, her heavenly King had called her to a higher standard. Esther was resolved: If I perish, I perish.
Esther 4 challenges us to examine our own lives. What risks of faith is God calling us to make? Are we willing to obey God's Word even when the outcome is uncertain, even if it might cost us? Don't let the time you have been given pass you by.
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;
And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
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.
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.
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.
So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
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.
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.
And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
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.
And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
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?
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
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.
So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Esther 4 offers a powerful narrative of crisis, courage, and divine purpose, revealing how God orchestrates events and calls individuals to play vital roles in His unfolding plan. This chapter highlights the profound grief of the Jewish people, Esther's initial hesitation, and Mordecai's compelling call to action, ultimately leading Esther to a pivotal decision that would change the course of history. The themes of Esther 4, optimized for Esther 4 keyword searches, resonate deeply with believers today, reminding us that God positions us strategically for His purposes.
Mourning and Despair (Esther 4:1-3)
The chapter opens with Mordecai's dramatic display of grief upon learning of Haman's genocidal plot. Previously, Mordecai had stood firm in his refusal to bow to Haman (Esther 3:1-4), but now, faced with the imminent destruction of his people, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and cried loudly and bitterly (Esther 4:1). This was not merely personal sorrow; it was a public expression of profound anguish, a visible sign of the spiritual warfare raging around them. This intense mourning extended to the Jewish people in every province (Esther 4:3), illustrating the widespread terror and despair that gripped the nation. Satan was actively seeking to destroy God’s covenant people, and Haman was a willing accomplice.
Esther's Initial Response and Mordecai's Plea (Esther 4:4-9)
News of Mordecai's distress reached Esther within the palace walls. Initially unaware of the king's decree, she sent clothes for him to wear, attempting to alleviate his suffering (Esther 4:4). However, Mordecai refused the garments, prompting Esther to send a messenger to discover the cause of his grief (Esther 4:6). Mordecai then revealed the full extent of the danger, sharing a copy of the written decree ordering the execution of the Jews (Esther 4:7). His message to Esther was direct and urgent: "approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally on behalf of our people" (Esther 4:8).
Mordecai's plea marked a turning point. He had previously advised Esther to conceal her Jewish identity (Esther 2:10), likely due to the prevailing anti-Semitic sentiment. Now, he urged her to reveal her true identity and use her position to intervene. The time had come for God to use her for her ultimate purpose. Just as Esther had been providentially positioned to leverage influence for God’s kingdom purposes, we must recognize that whatever blessings God bestows on us are intended for us to bless others.
The Dilemma and the Danger (Esther 4:10-12)
Esther faced a daunting dilemma. Approaching the king uninvited was a perilous act, punishable by death unless he extended his golden scepter (Esther 4:11). She had not been summoned to appear before the king for thirty days, suggesting a possible cooling of their relationship. Five years had passed since their wedding, and the honeymoon was over. Whether this was due to a falling out or the king's waning interest, the reality remained: entering Ahasuerus’s presence uninvited was a life-threatening risk.
Esther's hesitation highlights a crucial point: she seemed to have forgotten that her rise to power was not solely due to her own merit but to God's grace. We are what we are by the grace of God. Extraordinary experiences and opportunities that we are granted are not merely for our sake, but for the sake of God’s kingdom agenda. When we lose sight of that, we miss God’s kingdom program in history and become useless to him. Like salt that has lost its savor (Matthew 5:13), we lose our purpose when we forget the source and purpose of our blessings.
Mordecai's Stern Warning and Prophetic Insight (Esther 4:13-14)
Mordecai responded to Esther's hesitation with a stern warning: "Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you will escape any more than all the other Jews" (Esther 4:13). He underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that her royal status would not protect her from the impending doom.
More than a warning, Mordecai offered a profound theological insight: "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 4:14). Mordecai recognized God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant. God had promised to bless all the peoples of the earth through Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 12:3), so He would not allow His entire people to be wiped out. Even if Esther refused to act, God would accomplish His purposes through another means. However, by refusing to use her position for kingdom influence, Esther would miss a unique opportunity to serve God and would face dire consequences.
This is a crucial reminder that God is sovereign and will accomplish His program with or without us. He desires to use us, but no one is indispensable. If we refuse to obey Him, He will still carry out His agenda through someone else, and we will miss an opportunity to serve His kingdom purposes.
Mordecai's question, "who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” is the heart of the book of Esther. It challenges us to consider whether God has placed us in our current circumstances for a specific purpose. Similarly, the church of Jesus Christ is called to accomplish kingdom purposes. If a local church is not winning the lost to Christ and discipling them in the faith so that they can have a heavenly influence on earth, it has failed in its calling. You have been called to God’s kingdom for such a time as this. Whose agenda will you follow?
Esther's Courageous Decision (Esther 4:15-17)
Esther, spurred by Mordecai's words, made a courageous decision. She instructed Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray for her for three days, and she and her attendants would do the same. Then, she declared, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).
Esther's response demonstrates a remarkable step of faith. She recognized the inherent danger, yet she prioritized obedience to God's call over her own safety. Her willingness to risk her life echoes the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:1-30) and Daniel (Daniel 6:1-24), who chose to obey God even in the face of certain death. Esther knew that to do the right thing would require a risky step of faith. The human king had forbidden her to approach him uninvited. But, her heavenly King had called her to a higher standard. Esther was resolved: If I perish, I perish.
Esther 4 challenges us to examine our own lives. What risks of faith is God calling us to make? Are we willing to obey God's Word even when the outcome is uncertain, even if it might cost us? Don't let the time you have been given pass you by.