Esther 4:8

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 4:8

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them ,.... Which had now been published in the city; by which means Mordecai had had a sight of it, and had transcribed it; see Esther 3:14 to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her ; what Haman intended against the people of the Jews; as the Targum adds: and to charge her ; in his name; whose charges she had always regarded, both before and since she was queen; or in the name of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 4:8

That she should go in unto the king - The Greek adds, "Remember the time of your low estate, and in what manner you have been nourished, and carried in my arms; and that Haman, who is next to the king, has got a decree for our destruction. Pray, therefore, to the Lord, and plead with the king, that we may be delivered from death." But there is not a word of this either in the Hebrew, Syriac, or Vulgate. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:1-17

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:4-9

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:4-12

Sympathy. Mordecai's strange appearance at the king's gate made a stir in the palace. It was seen by Esther's "maids and chamberlains," and by them it was described to the queen. When Esther heard of the condition of the man whom she loved as a parent she was "exceedingly grieved." Then she took such measures as she could to show how much she felt and suffered with Mordecai. Let us learn from her conduct— I. THAT IN TIMES OF TRIAL THE SYMPATHY OF THOSE WHOM WE ... read more

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 4:8

Also he gave him the copy . In the original it is "a copy." Mordecai had had a copy made for the purpose of handing it to Esther . To make request to him for her people . If this was the phrase used by Mordecai to Hatach, Esther's nationality must now have ceased to be a secret, at any rate so far as her immediate attendants were concerned. Probably Mordecai felt that the truth must now be declared. It was only as the compatriots of the queen that he could expect to get the Jews spared. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 4:8

An intercessor. If Haman's influence with the king of Persia was used for harm, why should not Esther's be used for good? It was a natural and happy thought on the part of Mordecai to use his ward's influence with Ahasuerus for the deliverance and safety of the Jews. And the sequel shows the wisdom of Mordecai's counsel, and the efficacy of Esther's pleading. Christ, our High Priest, is, as such, our Advocate with the Father. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. As a figure of our... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Esther 4:7-8

Esther 4:7-8. And of the sum of money, &c. Namely, the ten thousand talents he had offered to procure the king’s consent to their destruction. And to charge her, &c. Not only in his own name, to whom she had manifested singular respect, but also in the name of the great God. read more

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