Esther 4:1-17

4:1-3 | The sackcloth that Mordecai wore was likely made form the hair of goats and camels. It was uncomfortable to wear next to the skin, providing a physical reminder of his sorrow. This display of deep grief was something that Hebrew and Persian alike would have understood (Josh. 7:6; 2 Sam. 1:11; Jonah 3:5-6).

4:3-4 | In every province in the kingdom, the Jews mourned. Mordecai’s decision to not accept the clothes Esther sent meant that this was not just a moment of sorrow but a national calamity.

4:11-14 | Mordecai no doubt knew the infamous law of the Medes and Persians about approaching the king. He also knew the king could be persuaded, just as he had been when he made the law that brought Esther to the palace. So he urged Esther to take a risk, in case she had been providentially appointed for such a time as this.

4:16 | In a declaration of courage and faith, Esther states, If I perish, I perish. Her words should echo in every Christian’s heart, reminding them that survival is not the only concern. The most important matter is to cooperate with God wherever He places them. If Christians are walking in complete obedience to God’s will, they can be confident nothing will happen to them that is outside of His sovereign control.

4:16 | This short book describes 10 feasts, but this verse mentions a fast instead, prompted by great sorrow.