Esther 4:4-17

Esther's grief and the communications between her and Mordecai

4. came and told it her Although unaware, according to the story, of the queen's relationship to Mordecai, her attendants knew (see Esther 2:11) the importance which he attached to her welfare, and therefore they presumed that his mourning garb would bespeak her interest.

she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai so that he might come within the gate and tell her the cause of his distress.

but he received it not by this refusal indicating the dire nature of the calamity of which it was the symbol.