Verses 1-17

Mordecai's Appeal to Esther to Save her Countrymen

1. When Mordecai perceived] His position at the door of the palace (Esther 2:21) would enable him to obtain early intelligence.

2. Even before] better, 'as far as before.' The LXX adds, 'and stopped.'

6. The street] RV 'the broad place': and so in Esther 6:9, Esther 6:11.

11. One law of his] RV 'one law for him': i.e. who approached the king without leave given.

14. Then shall there enlargement, etc.] RV 'Then shall relief,' etc. Mordecai's speech, though no mention is made in it of God, nevertheless breathes a spirit of trust in His Providence, and expresses a conviction that help will come from some unperceived quarter.

But thou.. destroyed] Divine judgment would overtake her if she neglected her duty to her countrymen. Whether.. as this] i.e. who knows whether thou hast not been raised to the throne by God for the express purpose of averting the dangers threatening at the present crisis?

16. Fast ye for me] Fasting was an accompaniment of prayer (cp. Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4), and Esther's request was for united prayer on her behalf. If I perish, I perish] Esther proceeded on her dangerous venture in a spirit of resignation.