Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say,
Esther's inquiry shows true kindness: to weep with those who weep, we must first know why they weep. She wanted to understand Mordecai's trouble fully before she acted, and this is how all who love God's people should order their prayers and griefs.
AI summary
Commenting on Esther 4:5-17
The law was universally known throughout the empire: enter the king's inner court uncalled, and death follows without exception, unless He holds out the golden sceptre. Esther had not been summoned for thirty days, which meant her danger was grave and her hope of His favor uncertain.
AI summary
Everyone knew the law binding on all subjects: approach the king unannounced into his inner chamber, and you die. One exception alone existed: if the king extended His sceptre to you, you lived. That single gesture stood between death and life.
AI summary
Commenting on Esther 4:9-11