4:1 Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he1 tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the city, crying out in a loud2 and bitter voice. 4:2 But he went no further than the kings gate, for no one was permitted to enter the kings gate clothed in sackcloth. 4:3 Throughout each and every province where the kings edict and law were announced3 there was considerable4 mourning among the Jews, along with fasting, weeping, and sorrow.5 Sackcloth and ashes were characteristic6 of many. 4:4 When Esthers female attendants and her eunuchs came and informed her about Mordecais behavior,7 the queen was overcome with anguish. Although she sent garments for Mordecai to put on so that he could remove his sackcloth, he would not accept them. 4:5 So Esther called for Hathach, one of the kings eunuchs who had been placed at her service,8 and instructed him to find out the cause and reason for Mordecais behavior.9 4:6 So Hathach went to Mordecai at the plaza of the city in front of the kings gate. 4:7 Then Mordecai related to him everything that had happened to him, even the specific amount of money that Haman had offered to pay to the kings treasuries for the Jews to be destroyed. 4:8 He also gave him a written copy of the law that had been disseminated10 in Susa for their destruction so that he could show it to Esther and talk to her about it. He also gave instructions that she should go to the king to implore him and petition him in behalf of her people. 4:9 So Hathach returned and related Mordecais instructions11 to Esther.
4:10 Then Esther replied to Hathach with instructions for Mordecai: 4:11 All the servants of the king and the people of the kings provinces know that there is only one law applicable12 to any man or woman who comes uninvited to the king in the inner courtthat person will be put to death, unless the king extends to him the gold scepter, permitting him to be spared.13 Now I have not been invited to come to the king for some thirty days!
4:12 When Esthers reply14 was conveyed to Mordecai, 4:13 he15 said to take back this answer to Esther: 4:14 Dont imagine that because you are part of the kings household you will be the one Jew16 who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear17 from another source,18 while you and your fathers household perish. It may very well be19 that you have achieved royal status20 for such a time as this!
4:15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 4:16 Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Dont eat and dont drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I21 will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law.22 If I perish, I perish!
4:17 So Mordecai set out to do everything that Esther had instructed him.
Esther Appeals to the King for Help