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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 4:1-4

Here we have an account of the general sorrow that there was among the Jews upon the publishing of Haman's bloody edict against them. It was a sad time with the church. 1. Mordecai cried bitterly, rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth, Est. 4:1, 2. He not only thus vented his grief, but proclaimed it, that all might take notice of it that he was not ashamed to own himself a friend to the Jews, and a fellow-sufferer with them, their brother and companion in tribulation, how despicable and how... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 4:5-17

So strictly did the laws of Persia confine the wives, especially the king's wives, that it was not possible for Mordecai to have a conference with Esther about this important affair, but divers messages are here carried between them by Hatach, whom the king had appointed to attend her, and it seems he was one she could confide in. I. She sent to Mordecai to know more particularly and fully what the trouble was which he was now lamenting (Est. 4:5) and why it was that he would not put off his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 4:4

So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her ,.... Her maids of honour and eunuchs that attended her, which they might tell her merely as a piece of news, there being something shocking in it to tender minds; or perhaps nothing more than that Mordecai was in sackcloth; and they might have observed, by some incident or another, that there was some connection between Mordecai and Esther, and that she had a peculiar respect for him: then was the queen exceedingly grieved ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 4:5

Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her ,.... Which, according to the Targum, was Daniel F1 So Midrash Esther, fol. 94. 3. & Jarchi in Dan. iv. 5. ; but it is not likely that Daniel should have lived to this time; however, this officer was not only intrusted with the care of the queen by the king, but she had also an high opinion of him, and therefore employed him in this affair: and gave a commandment to Mordecai,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 4:6

So Hatach went forth to Mordecai, unto the street of the city ,.... Where he was, in a public manner, expressing his grief and sorrow: which was before the king's gate : that led to the royal palace. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 4:4

Sent raiment - She supposed that he must have been spoiled of his raiment by some means; and therefore sent him clothing. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 4:5

Then called Esther for Hatach - This eunuch the king had appointed to wait upon her, partly, as is still the case in the East, to serve her, and partly, to observe her conduct; for no despot is ever exempt from a twofold torture, jealousy and suspicion. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:4

Esther's maids and her chamberlains . A queen consort at an Oriental court is sure to have, besides her train of maids, a numerous body of eunuchs, who are at her entire disposal, and are especially employed in going her errands and maintaining her communications with the outer world. Told her . Esther's interest in Mordecai would be known to the maids and eunuchs by Mordecai's inquiries about her ( Esther 1:11 ) and communications with her (ibid. verse 22). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:4-9

Sympathy. Although Esther was lodged in a palace and surrounded with luxury and honour, she did not lose sight of her kinsman, Mordecai. Least of all was she indifferent to his trouble and sorrow. Hence, when informed of his mourning, she sent to him, and, when aware of the cause of his distress, entered into it, taking his grief as her own. A beautiful illustration of sympathy—an emotion and disposition which adorns our humanity, and relieves men of many of their sorrows, and lightens... read more

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