Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
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
Mordecai had seen and copied the published decree himself, then charged Esther, whose obedience to him had never wavered, before or after her queenship, to approach the king with urgent supplication. What hung in the balance was not one life but a whole people, and her own among them.
AI summary
The language here is remarkably forceful: Mordecai implores Esther in the name of her brethren and her God to make a direct appeal to the king's feelings, since he could hardly command her as an adopted daughter any longer, yet the crisis demands she act at once.
AI summary