MPV Commentary

1, 2. When Mordecai learned about the decree, he was deeply distressed on his own account and that of his fellow Jews. He knew that a Persian king's edict was irreversible (Daniel 6:15), so Haman had made it public as soon as he obtained royal sanction. Mordecai, being among the first to hear, must have been overcome with emotion. He approached the palace gate, driven by an irrepressible urge to appeal to the king's mercy. However, access to the king was impossible for someone in his disfigured state, as "none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth." Despite this, he found a way to inform Queen Esther of the plot.

4. The queen was deeply grieved and sent clothing to Mordecai. Her intention may have been to enable him to resume his former office or to prepare him for coming near the palace so she could learn about the cause of his distress.

5. Esther summoned Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, who had been appointed to attend her. Communication with women in the harem was difficult and required the involvement of keepers. The chief eunuch would receive the message from the queen, convey it to an inferior office, and then deliver it back to the queen through a subordinate. Hatach, being an old man who had earned his position through faithful service, was appointed by the king but also sought to ingratiate himself with the queen. He proved useful in facilitating private communications between Mordecai and Esther.

8. Mordecai instructed Esther to go into the king's presence, using strong language that implied a sense of urgency and importance. As his adopted daughter, he could not command her, so he appealed to her on behalf of her people and God, urging her to make a direct appeal to the king's feelings.

11. The law prohibited anyone from entering the inner court without being summoned, creating an almost impenetrable barrier around the king. This rule was originally established by Deioces, king of Media, and later adopted by the Persians. Although the queen was exempt in theory, she had not been admitted to the king's presence for a month, leading her to fear that his affections had turned against her.

13, 14. Mordecai instructed Esther to respond with confidence, telling her that God would intervene, either through her or another deliverer, to save His people. He believed this was part of God's plan in elevating her to the position of queen, and therefore she should approach the task with courage, not doubting her success.

16. Esther decided to go into the king's presence, which was against the law. After appointing a three-day fast, she expressed her firm resolve to make an appeal, even if it meant risking her life.

I will go in unto the king, accompanied by my maidens – It is likely that these were Jewish women or converts who shared Esther's faith.