Est 4 | MHM | STEP | Great Mourning among the Jews This section tells how the Jewish people reacted when they heard about Haman’s cruel order to destroy them. The whole community was filled with grief and fear. Even though their situation looked hopeless, their sorrow showed their deep connection to each other and to God. v. 1-2 : When Mordecai learned about the decree, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and cried out loudly in the city (Esther 4:1-2 ). He was not ashamed to be seen as a Jew or to share his people’s suffering. Mordecai’s conscience was clear, because he knew he was doing what was right, but it still hurt him that others would suffer because of him. There was a law that no one could enter the king’s gate wearing sackcloth, so Mordecai could only come as far as the entrance. This showed how the palace tried to keep sadness away, even when there was real trouble outside (Matthew 11:8 ).

‏ Esther 4

Great Mourning among the Jews

This section tells how the Jewish people reacted when they heard about Haman’s cruel order to destroy them. The whole community was filled with grief and fear. Even though their situation looked hopeless, their sorrow showed their deep connection to each other and to God.

v. 1-2: When Mordecai learned about the decree, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and cried out loudly in the city (Esther 4:1-2 ^a). He was not ashamed to be seen as a Jew or to share his people’s suffering. Mordecai’s conscience was clear, because he knew he was doing what was right, but it still hurt him that others would suffer because of him. There was a law that no one could enter the king’s gate wearing sackcloth, so Mordecai could only come as far as the entrance. This showed how the palace tried to keep sadness away, even when there was real trouble outside (Matthew 11:8 ^b).

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v. 3: In every province, Jews mourned, fasted, and wept when they heard the news . They wore sackcloth and ashes to show their sadness. Some may have regretted not returning to their homeland when they had the chance. Now, in their time of trouble, they turned to God with fasting and prayer.

v. 4: Queen Esther was deeply troubled when she heard about Mordecai’s distress . Even though she was now queen, she still cared about her people and her cousin. Esther sent Mordecai new clothes to comfort him, but he refused them. He wanted her to understand just how serious and painful the situation was. This reminds us that even those in high positions should not forget the suffering of others (Amos 6:6 ^c).

Mordecai's Application to Esther; Esther Urged to Petition the King; Esther Resolves to Petition the King

This passage describes the urgent messages between Mordecai and Esther after Haman’s decree. Because Persian law kept the king’s wives separated, Mordecai could not speak to Esther directly. Instead, they communicated through Hatach, a trusted servant. Their conversation shows the seriousness of the situation and the courage needed to act.

v. 5: Esther sent Hatach to Mordecai to find out why he was so upset and why he refused to change out of his sackcloth . She wanted to understand the reason for his grief so she could respond in the right way. This teaches us to care about the troubles of others and to seek understanding before acting.

v. 6-8: Mordecai explained everything to Hatach, including Haman’s anger and the details of the deadly decree. He gave Esther a copy of the edict and urged her to go to the king and plead for her people (Esther 4:7 ^d). Mordecai wanted Esther to use her position to correct the lies told to the king and to save the Jews from destruction.

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v. 9-11: Esther replied that it was dangerous for anyone, even the queen, to approach the king without being called. The law said that anyone who did so could be put to death unless the king held out his golden scepter (Esther 4:11 ^e). Esther had not been called to see the king for thirty days, so she was afraid for her life. This law made life difficult for everyone, even the king’s own wife, and showed how prideful and harsh the Persian rulers could be. In contrast, God welcomes us to come boldly to his throne at any time.

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v. 12-14: Mordecai insisted that Esther must act, even if it was risky (Esther 4:13-14 ^f). He reminded her that she was also a Jew and would not escape the decree just because she was queen. Mordecai believed that God would save the Jews somehow, but if Esther did nothing, she and her family might be lost. He suggested that God had made her queen for this very moment: Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? This teaches us to use our opportunities to serve God and others, trusting that he has a purpose for where we are.

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v. 15-16: Esther agreed to go to the king, but first she asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Shushan to fast and pray for her for three days (Esther 4:15-16 ^g). She and her maids would also fast and pray. Esther showed faith and courage, trusting God to help her. She said, I will go to the king... and if I perish, I perish. Esther was willing to risk her life to save her people, showing true devotion and bravery.