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Esther 4

17 verses

TL;DR

Mordecai mourns the impending doom for the Jews, Esther learns of the decree, and with Mordecai’s counsel she prepares to risk approaching the king to save her people.

Summary

When the decree threatening the Jews is announced, Mordecai publicly mourns and protests. Esther's attendants inform her, and she is deeply distressed but resolute. She summons Hatach, who brings the decree and orders her to petition the king. Esther advises Hatach to inform Mordecai, who warns her that if she remains silent, Jews will be saved elsewhere but her family will perish. Esther then commands all Jews in Shushan to fast for three days while she plans her daring approach to the king, knowing the law could cost her life.

Outline
  1. Mordecai's public mourning and request for the king’s mercy.
  2. Esther learns of the decree and consults Hatach and Mordecai.
  3. Esther prepares a three‑day fast and resolves to approach the king.
Themes
Courage and risk in the face of oppressionCommunity solidarity through fasting and prayerThe importance of timing and counsel
Keywords
MordecaiEstherHamandecreefastingsackclothShushanking’s courtgolden sceptre
People
MordecaiEstherQueen EstherKing AhasuerusHatachHaman
Places
Shushanthe king’s gatethe cityinner court
Things
sackcloth with ashesdecree of annihilationgolden sceptrefastingcopy of the decreeking’s treasuries
Key Verses
  • Esther 4:1: Shows Mordecai’s public grief and the seriousness of the threat.
  • Esther 4:7-8: Hatach delivers the decree, revealing the danger and Mordecai’s urgency.
  • Esther 4:13-14: Mordecai’s warning highlights the stakes and the need for decisive action.
  • Esther 4:16: Esther’s command to fast sets the stage for her plan and communal solidarity.
Questions
  • What motivates Esther to risk approaching the king despite the law?
  • How does the act of fasting serve the community’s needs in this context?
  • In what ways does Mordecai’s counsel reflect Jewish values of communal responsibility?
  • What might happen if Esther had chosen to stay silent?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains sorrow over the threat, but also hope and courage through Esther’s plan.