Study notes

Esther 4

Introducing EstherWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

4:1–17 Section

When Mordecai heard about Haman’s orders, he mourned. The Jews in Susa and throughout the Persian kingdom also mourned. They showed their sadness in many ways. They tore their clothes and put on rough clothing. They sat in ashes and laid down in them. They cried loudly. In the times and places of the Bible these were common practices for showing sadness.

Mordecai believed that the Jews would be saved from Haman’s evil plans. He believed this even though he didn’t know how they would be rescued. He asked Esther to use her authority as queen to help her people. Perhaps she had become queen for that very reason. But Esther didn’t have authority to change Haman’s orders. Because of Persian laws it was dangerous for Esther to try to speak with Xerxes. Her only option would be to beg Xerxes for mercy.

She asked Mordecai and all the Jews in Susa to go without food for three days. The entire Jewish community supported Esther by fasting as she made her plans. The book of Esther doesn’t talk about prayer. But among God’s people it was common to pray while fasting.

4:2

the law prohibited anyone...from entering that gate: The king did not want to hear sad stories or people asking for mercy.

4:3

there was great mourning among the Jews: Although these reports of lamenting do not mention God's name, the lamenting and fasting suggest they were praying for God to intervene and save his people (Exodus 2:23–25; Ezra 9:5–15; Daniel 9:1–19).

4:8

  • A copy of the decree with the king’s seal would show Esther how serious the situation was.

  • implore his favor: Mordecai did not give Esther reasons to present to the king. He only asked her to appeal to the king’s mercy and use her influence for her people.

4:11

  • who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death: The king's guards strictly controlled access to him to prevent unwanted guests from wasting his time with minor requests. These were the official court rules, so Esther faced great danger. She likely decided against asking for an audience through a messenger, possibly because she would have to explain her reasons.

  • I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days: Esther had no guarantee of his favorable response.

4:13–14

  • Do not imagine...you alone will escape: Mordecai did not back down or excuse her because of the danger. He reminded her that staying silent would be more dangerous.

  • relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place: Mordecai knew God's promises and understood that God would not allow his chosen people to be destroyed (see Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 28:14; Isaiah 60:1–5).

  • perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?: Esther's rise to power was not just luck. Her position as Xerxes' favored wife and queen was a role God gave her to influence history for the Jewish people.

4:16

  • fast for me: Esther was convinced, but she wanted as many Jews as possible to pray for God to save her life.

  • Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day: A complete fast without any food or water usually lasted only one day (Leviticus 16:29–31; Judges 20:26). The three-day duration showed the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for God’s help.

  • I will go to the king, even though it is against the law: Despite the danger, she decided she must act for her people's sake.

  • And if I perish, I perish!: She, like Mordecai, was a person of character who would do what was right despite personal danger.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources