For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
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
Mordecai went his way and did what Esther commanded: he gathered the Jews and ordered a three-day fast. Some say he transgressed the festival law to do it, fasting even on Passover itself, but the command took precedence.
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Mordecai speaks from genuine faith: God will deliver His people whether all earthly means fail or not. If Esther stays silent, deliverance comes another way, but she and her house are destroyed. Providence has placed her in the kingdom for this very hour.
AI summary