Est 4:1 | 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 4:1

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).