John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 4:12
And they told to Mordecai Esther's, words. The messengers she sent to him. read more
And they told to Mordecai Esther's, words. The messengers she sent to him. read more
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther ,.... Gave in charge to the messengers what they should say to Esther from him, by way of reply: think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews ; signifying that her being queen, and in the king's palace, would be no protection to her; and she would be no safer there than the Jews elsewhere, since they had no greater enemies any where than in the king's court; and it was or would be known of what nation... read more
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time ,.... And will not speak to the king in favour of the Jews, because of the danger she would be exposed to in doing it: then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place ; Mordecai seemed confident of it, that by some means or another the Jews would be delivered; if not through the intercession of Esther, yet from some other quarter, or by some other hand: but thou and thy father's house shall be... read more
Think not - that thou shalt escape - This confirms the suspicion that Haman knew something of the relationship between Mordecai and Esther; and therefore he gives her to understand that, although in the king's palace, she should no more escape than the Jews. read more
Then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise - He had a confidence that deliverance would come by some means; and he thought that Esther would be the most likely; and that, if she did not use the influence which her providential station gave her, she would be highly culpable. And who knoweth whether thou art come - As if he had said, "Is it likely that Divine providence would have so distinguished thee, and raised thee from a state of abject obscurity,... read more
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
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
Think not with thyself . Literally, "imagine not in thy mind." That thou shalt escape in the king's house . i.e. "that being an inmate of the palace will be any protection to thee ;" it will be no protection—you will no more escape than any other Jew. read more
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