Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
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.
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Commenting on Esther 4:5-17
Prayer is the heart of it, fasting only the vessel for it. Esther resolved to go before the king unbidden, against law itself, trusting God would strengthen her; she staked everything on His deliverance of His people, not her own safety.
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Esther fooled herself if she thought her palace walls would shield her from the fate of her people. Mordecai saw God's hand plainly: He would save Israel, and her elevation to queen was no accident but Providence appointing her for this very hour.
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