[:en]SCRIPTURE: ESTHER 4
“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house, you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14)
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for 3 days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king even though it is gainst the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Nehemiah 4:16)
MORDECAI PERSUADES ESTHER TO HELP (vs. 1-17)
When Mordecai learned of the king’s decree, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth wailing loudly and bitterly. There was great mourning among the Jews with fasting, weeping and wailing.
When Esther’s maids and eunuchs told her about Mordecai, she sent clothes for Mordecai to wear but he would not accept them. So Esther summoned Hathach, an eunuch assigned to her and asked him to find out what was troubling Mordecai. Mordecai told him everything about the king’s command to annihilate all the Jews. He urged Esther to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead for her people.
When Hathach reported all Mordecai had said to Esther, Esther told him that anyone who approached the king in the inner court without being summoned will be put to death. The only exception was for the king to extend the golden scepter to him and spare his life.
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent this message back: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house, you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (vs. 13-14)
Then, Esther sent his reply to Mordecai: “Go gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for 3 days, night or day. I and my maiden will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king even through it is against the law. And If I perish, I perish” (v. 16)
So, Mordecai went out to carry all of Esther’s instructions.
SUMMARY:
There is a spiritual application of this chapter. Haman wanted to annihilate all the Jews. Satan is a destroyer who wants all people to go to hell. Mordecai was deeply concerned to save all the Jews. Our God also wanted all of us to be saved. Esther intercedes on behalf of her people. Jesus Christ came to this earth and offer Himself as a sacrificial lamb to die for sinners.
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