Read Esther 4.1-17. In 4.1-17: Mordecai petitions Esther. In verse 1: Torn clothes, sackcloth, and ashes are typical gestures of mourning and distress. In verses 4-5: Why Esther was distressed is not explained: did she fear for Mordecai's safety. In verse 11: Despite her status as queen, Esther remains under the authority of the king and of the ever present Persian law. In verses 12-14: Mordecai is the face of Esther's Jewishness. His speech reminds her that she shares the fate of her people. Another quarter may be veiled reference to God, who is not named explicitly in the book. Perhaps ... for just such a time as this summarizes the book's theme: Esther rise to power just in time to save the Jewish people. In verses 16-17: For the first time, Esther commands Mordecai, and he does everything she says (compare 2.20). The fast is one of the few religious observances in the book and prepares the people for the danger Esther is to face. Comments or Questions..
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