Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate,
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
So Hatach went forth to Mordecai, unto the street of the city,.... Where he was, in a public manner, expressing his grief and sorrow: which was before the king's gate: that led to the royal palace.
Mordecai reported the sum Haman pledged to the royal treasury with deliberate emphasis: this figure is the chief point, meant to show not merely Esther's indignation but Haman's own fierce resentment and the extreme eagerness with which he was pressing for the Jews' extermination. The amount itself proves his determination.
AI summary
Commenting on Esther 4:5-7