Esther - Chapter 4

Esther 4.1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; Esther 4.2 And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. Esther 4.3 And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Esther 4.4 So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. Esther 4.5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. Esther 4.6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate. Esther 4.7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. Esther 4.8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. Esther 4.9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. Esther 4.10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; Esther 4.11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. Esther 4.12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. Esther 4.13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. Esther 4.14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4.15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Esther 4.16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Esther 4.17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther : Chapter 4

Reflection on Esther, Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the book of Esther offers us an initial response to the crisis threatening the Jewish people. The protagonists, Mordecai and Esther, react with profound emotional intensity to the imminent threat. This text introduces us to Mordecai's grief, his communication with Esther, and the challenge he faces: to intercede with the king. This crucial chapter explores essential themes such as courage, destiny, and the responsibility to act in times of crisis.

The Bold Themes of Esther 4

In this chapter, we find the famous phrase: "for such an occasion as this." Through this statement, we are invited to reflect on our own commitment and responsibility in decisive moments. We invite you to explore five Bible passages that resonate with the powerful themes of this chapter.

Relevant Bible Passages

Joel 2:12

“Yet even now,” says the Lord, “turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with mourning, and with weeping. » This verse illustrates the response of the Jews who, faced with the threat of destruction, chose fasting and mourning, like Mordecai in Esther 4.

Proverbs 24:11-12

“Free those who are led to death; help those who stumble toward slaughter. If you say, ‘We knew nothing,’ will not the one who weighs hearts realize it? Will not the one who watches over your life recognize it? Will he not repay each one according to his own deeds?” » These verses underscore Esther's responsibility to intercede for her people, a call Mordecai encourages her to do in Esther 4.

Matthew 16:25

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." » This teaching of Jesus illustrates the dilemma Esther faces, risking her own life to save her people, as depicted in Esther 4.

Romans 8:28

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, of those who have been called according to his purpose. » This verse evokes the idea that Esther would have been placed at court for "such a time as this," in keeping with God's purpose, as mentioned in Esther 4.

James 5:16

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." This passage highlights the importance of corporate prayer and fasting, essential elements in the story of Esther 4.

Meditating on these verses, we are invited to consider our own role and commitment to our faith, especially in times of crisis. Let us be instruments of peace and justice, like Esther, by responding to God's calls in our lives.