Esther 4:1

CHAPTER IV

On hearing the king's decree to exterminate the Jews, Mordecai

mourns, and clothes himself in sackcloth, 1, 2.

The Jews are filled with consternation, 3.

Esther, perceived Mordecai in distress at the palace gate, sends

her servant Hatach to inquire the reason, 4-6.

Hatach returns with the information, and also the express desire

of Mordecai that she should go instantly to the king, and make

supplication in behalf of her people, 7-9.

Esther excuses herself on the ground that she had not been

called by the king for thirty days past; and that the law was

such that any one approaching his presence, without express

invitation, should be put to death, unless the king should, in

peculiar clemency, stretch out to such persons the golden

sceptre, 10-12.

Mordecai returns an answer, insisting on her compliance, 13, 14.

She then orders Mordecai to gather all the Jews of Shushan, and

fast for her success three days, night and day, and resolves to

make the attempt, though at the risk of her life, 15-17.

NOTES ON CHAP. IV

Verse Esther 4:1. Mordecai rent his clothes] He gave every demonstration of the most poignant and oppressive grief. Nor did he hide this from the city; and the Greek says that he uttered these words aloud: Αιρεται εθνος μηδεν ηδικηκος, A people are going to be destroyed, who have done no evil!