Esther 4:1 - Meaning and Application

Here we see the public grief that spread among the Jews after Haman’s cruel decree against them was announced. It was a sad time for God’s people. Mordecai cried out loudly, tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth, a rough garment worn to show deep sorrow, in Esther 4:1-2. He did not hide his grief, but made it public, so everyone would know he stood with the Jews and shared their suffering, no matter how Haman’s supporters now treated them.

This was a brave thing to do. Mordecai openly supported a righteous cause, the cause of God, even when it seemed hopeless and close to collapse. He felt the danger keenly, because he knew Haman’s anger was aimed at him first, and the rest of the Jews were being attacked because of him. He did not regret what some might call his stubbornness, since he had acted from a clear conscience, and he could trust his case and his people to God, who judges fairly. God protects those who suffer because they are careful to obey their conscience.

The passage also mentions a rule that no one could enter the king’s gate wearing sackcloth. In those royal courts, only cheerful and fine clothing was welcome, because the king did not want to face sorrow or complaint. This was a foolish rule, since it could keep out signs of grief but could not keep out the troubles themselves, such as sickness, distress, and death. Still, it meant Mordecai had to stay outside and come only as far as the gate, not take his seat inside it.

The Jews in every province were also deeply moved by the threat, in Esther 4:3. They fasted, and they slept in sackcloth and ashes, adding tears to their meals and sorrow to their nights. Some who had stayed behind in the land of captivity, even after Cyrus had given permission to return home, may now have regretted their choice and wished too late that they had obeyed God’s call to go back.

Queen Esther, on hearing a general report of Mordecai’s trouble, was greatly distressed, in verse 4. She still cared deeply for him, and the danger to the Jews was her own grief as well. Even as queen, she did not forget that she belonged to them. No one in high position should think it beneath them to grieve over the suffering of Joseph, meaning God’s people, even if they live in comfort and honor (Amos 6:6).

Esther sent Mordecai a change of clothes, like oil of joy for mourning and garments of praise for a heavy spirit. But he would not accept them, because he wanted her to understand how great his sorrow was, and why he was so distressed. He was like one refusing comfort, because the cause of the grief was too serious to cover over.