And they told Mordecai what Esther had said.
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
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...
Mordecai does not reproach Esther's indifference but shows her own life hangs in the balance: if she refuses to intercede, help will arise elsewhere, the Jewish nation cannot perish, God's promise secures it, but she and her house will be destroyed. This is heroic faith amid present, deadly peril.
AI summary
Commenting on Esther 4:12-14