ESTHER—NOTE ON ESTHER 4:1 SACKCLOTH AND ASHES... FASTING AND WEEPING. Traditional ways of expressing grief in the ancient Near East, including Israel. Such behavior was banned in THE KING’S GATE (see note on 2:19–21). GARMENTS TO CLOTHE MORDECAI. Because of the ban of Esther 4:2, Esther probably fea... [ Continue Reading ]
ESTHER—NOTE ON ESTHER 4:11 ONE LAW. The law in this matter was absolute, without any qualifications or exceptions. NOT BEEN CALLED... THESE THIRTY DAYS. The king’s love for Esther may have begun to wane, making her task even more difficult (see Esther 2:14, Esther 2:17). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒... [ Continue Reading ]
ESTHER—NOTE ON ESTHER 4:14 DELIVERANCE WILL RISE... FROM ANOTHER PLACE. Mordecai is confident that God will somehow rescue his people. YOUR FATHER’S HOUSE. The family of Esther’s father. Since Mordecai is sure the Jews will be delivered, his statement that Esther and her family WILL PERISH presumabl... [ Continue Reading ]
ESTHER—NOTE ON ESTHER 4:16 HOLD A FAST. Not an outpouring of grief as in v. Esther 4:3, but an effort to increase Esther’s chances of success, through earnest prayer. This is the strongest indication yet of Esther’s and Mordecai’s faith in God (see Ezra 9:5; Nehemiah 1:4). IF I PERISH, I PERISH. Est... [ Continue Reading ]