Esther 4:16 NIV

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 4:16

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan ,.... To acquaint them with what follows; but not to continue in a body together, which might cause suspicion of an ill design in them; according to the latter Targum, 12,000 chosen priests were found in it; but that must be an exaggeration of their number; it can hardly be thought there were so many Jews in all there: and fast ye for me ; that is, pray for her, that she might have courage to go in to the king, and meet with... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 4:16

Fast ye for me , and neither eat nor drink three days - What a strange thing, that still we hear nothing of prayer, nor of God! What is the ground on which we can account for this total silence? I know it not. She could not suppose there was any charm in fasting, sackcloth garments, and lying on the ground. If these were not done to turn away the displeasure of God, which seemed now to have unchained their enemies against them, what were they done for? If I perish ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:1-17

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:4-17

GRIEF OF ESTHER . HER COMMUNICATIONS WITH MORDECAI . SHE CONSENTS TO RISK MAKING AN APPEAL TO THE KING ( Esther 4:4-17 ). Esther, in the seclusion of the harem, knew nothing of what the king and Haman had determined on. No one in the palace suspected how vitally she was concerned in the matter, since none knew that she was a Jewess, and state affairs are not commonly discussed between an Oriental monarch and a young wife. It was known, however, that she took... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:13-17

A bold faith. I. DIFFICULTIES DO NOT DAUNT THE STRONG . Mordecai quite understood the force of the twofold barrier to Esther's appealing to the king. Yet if it had been a hundredfold he would have urged her to face it. Neither a legal folly nor any amount of personal risk could justify irresolution or inaction when a whole people might be saved by a bold attempt. Obstacles that seem insurmountable in ordinary times dwindle much in presence of great emergencies. II. IF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:15-17

Resolving to run risks. Deep and intense, if not prolonged, must have been the struggle in the breast of the beautiful queen of Persia. The doom that awaited her if she was unfavourably received was terrible, and would be immediately executed. She had not only to do that which was "not according to the law" ( Esther 4:16 ), but also to ask a great boon of the king, to bring before him her Jewish extraction, and to measure her influence against that of the great favourite. She did not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:16

A fast. Fasting is often mere superstition, as when men suppose that there is merit in their abstaining on certain days from certain kinds of food, thinking that mortification of appetite is in itself a virtue, and that God must needs be pleased with what pains or distresses his creatures. Fasting is sometimes a mockery. It is well known that many religionists keep the letter whilst they break the spirit of a fast. It is certainly difficult to sympathise with the asceticism of those who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:16

If I perish, I perish! The bosom of the queen must, when she uttered these affecting words, have been rent with diverse emotions. The entreaty of Mordecai, the danger of her people, the benevolence of her own nature, all urged her to venture into the presence of the august yet capricious king. Yet her knowledge of the court rules, her fears for herself, must have withheld her from the daring act. She faced the possible consequences, she prepared herself for the worst. Doubtless she... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:16

Self's supreme capitulation. "If I perish, I perish." The suggestion of Providence being concerned in the matter was like life from the dead to Esther. The idea of Providence having been now some time working up to this point was an immense comfort and impulse to her mind. It was a flash of light that lit up the whole scene for one moment. And when that one moment was sped, the darkness that returned was not. as before, unrelieved. There was a distinct line of light athwart it. Confidence... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 4:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 4:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:1-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:4-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:13-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:15-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:16

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