Ester 4
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Ester 4:1-3
4:1 "he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly" These were Jewish mourning rites; more are listed in Esth. 4:3: tore his clothes, Esth. 4:1 put on sackcloth, Esth. 4:1,3 put on ashes (or dust, but on the head), Esth. 4:1,3 wailed loudly and bitterly, Esth. 4:1,3 fasted, Esth. 4:3 wept, Esth. 4:3 Numbers 1 and 2 are often done together (cf. Isa. 58:5; Jer. 6:26; Jonah 3:6). The Persians also practiced #1 (cf. Herodotus, Hist. 8.99). Special Topic: Grieving Rites 4:2 Expressing personal emotions in the king's presence or palace was inappropriate (cf. Neh. 2:1-2). 4:3 NASB, NKJV, NJB, NIV, Peshitta "many" NRSV, TEV, REB "most" "everybody" "all" The Hebrew has "many," but this term often has the connotation of "all" (cf. Isa. 53:11,12 vs. Isa. 53:6; Rom. 5:19 vs. Rom. 5:18). ▣ "lay on sackcloth" Sackcloth was made of coarse goat or camel hair. It was rough and most uncomfortable when worn close to the skin. The Jews wore it as an outer garment and even slept on it (cf. 2 Sam. 21:10; 1 Kgs. 21:27; Isa. 58:5).
Ester 4:4-8
4:4 "the queen writhed in great anguish" NKJV, NRSV "the queen was deeply distressed" "she was deeply disturbed" "she was overcome with grief" "the queen was greatly agitated" "the Queen was exceedingly disturbed" The VERB (BDB 296 I; KB 297; Hithpalpel IMPERFECT) means to writhe in anxiety. The term is often used of child birth (cf. Ps. 29:8; 55:4-5; Isa. 26:17; 51:2), as well as the pain of the wicked in judgment (cf. Job 15:20). The ADVERB "deeply" (BDB 547) is added for emphasis. This term is used for both physical and psychological pain. Her servants evidently knew her close relationship to Mordecai even though they may not have known that they were blood relations. Esther was greatly concerned about her uncle's actions. 4:7-8 Mordecai tells Esther's servant (Hathach) the situation and even gives him a copy of the posted edict to show Esther.
Ester 4:9-12
4:9-12 She seemed to fear for her own life in breaking Persian court customs more than for the slaughter of her people! We learn of some of these customs from Herodotus (Hist. 3.118,140), that only members of the seven special Persian families could approach the king without his permission.
Ester 4:13-17
4:13 Mordecai seems to be somewhat upset at Esther's response. Mordecai plainly tells Esther that if all the Jews die, then she will also die! 4:14 "relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place" This is where most commentators assert that a strong allusion to God is assumed (as in Est. 4:16, cf. the Targums and Josephus' Antiq. 11.6.7). This is the Hebrew doctrine of God's providence. The Jews were an integral part of God's redemptive plan for all humanity (cf. Rom. 9:4-5). The term "relief" (BDB 926, KB 1194) has a wide semantic field (possibly reflects two separate roots). Its primary meaning was "to be wide or spacious," but the same three consonants can also mean liberation air, breath, wind, spirit smell, odor, scent As God delivered His people from Egypt (cf. Gen. 45:5-7) He will deliver them from Haman. Esther has been placed in a special place for God to use (like Joseph) at this critical time (i.e., the unseen hand of God). Special Topic: Satanic Attempts to Thwart the Messianic Line in Genesis ▣ "you and your father's house will perish" Although Mordecai has confidence that God will deliver His people, Esther must choose if she will allow God to work through her life. This is the biblical tension between God's unconditional covenant (i.e., human redemption) and the conditional individual response. Special Topic: Covenant ▣ "And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this" This is the most famous phrase in the book of Esther. It encourages great faith in God's unseen, but present, care and providence (the unseen, but ever-present, hand of God)! 4:16 "do not eat or drink for three days" There is a series of IMPERATIVES (3) and two IMPERFECTS used in a JUSSIVE sense. go (BDB 229, KB 246, Qal IMPERATIVE) assemble (BEB 488, KB 484, Qal IMPERATIVE) fast (BDB 847, KB 1012, Qal IMPERATIVE) do not eat (BDB 27, KB 40, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) do not drink (BDB 1059, KB 1667, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) This verse vividly communicates Esther's fear ad faith! Although prayer is not specifically mentioned, prayer and fasting are definitely linked in the OT. This verse alludes to the mystery of prayer and providence. It is obviously God's will that the Jewish people survive in order for the Messiah to come. Why then such extraordinary means: (1) fasting (three days and nights with no food or water, a total fast) and (2) the numbers of people? Will God not act unless His people humble themselves and pray? God's redemptive will must have priority over human action! Does this whole context imply that God will surely accomplish His purposes, but possibly not through Esther and Mordecai (cf. Esth. 4:14)? These questions are mysteries. Mystery about a sovereign God and a covenant people prayer and providence the new modern theological emphasis on open-theism (cf. Clark Pinnock, The Most Moved Mover Special Topic: Predestination (Calvinism) vs Human Free Will (Arminianism)