Esther 4:10

KJV

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

KJV (with Strong's)

Again Esther {H635} spake {H559} unto Hatach {H2047}, and gave him commandment {H6680} unto Mordecai {H4782};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Ester spoke to Hatakh and gave him this message for Mordekhai:

Berean Standard Bible

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and instructed him to tell Mordecai,

American Standard Version

Then Esther spake unto Hathach, and gave him a message unto Mordecai, saying:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 4:10 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of the book of Esther, detailing Queen Esther's initial response to Mordecai's urgent plea regarding Haman's genocidal decree against the Jewish people. Having received Mordecai's message through Hatach, a trusted royal chamberlain, Esther dispatches Hatach back to Mordecai with her own communication. This seemingly brief verse highlights the critical role of intermediaries in crisis, establishes the chain of command, and sets the stage for the intense, life-or-death dialogue that will determine the fate of a nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 4:10 is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative, immediately following Mordecai's desperate appeal to Esther. Having learned of Haman's decree to annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire, Mordecai mourned publicly in sackcloth and ashes, a display that caught Esther's attention from within the palace (Esther 4:1-4). When Esther sent garments for him, Mordecai refused, prompting her to send Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains assigned to her, to inquire about his distress (Esther 4:5). Mordecai then used Hatach to convey the full horror of Haman's decree and to implore Esther to intercede with the king on behalf of her people (Esther 4:7-9). Thus, Esther 4:10 represents Esther's first direct action in response to this monumental crisis, initiating a crucial back-and-forth communication through Hatach that will ultimately lead to her courageous decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold within the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). The Persian court was characterized by strict protocols and the absolute authority of the king. Approaching the king unsummoned was a capital offense, punishable by death unless the king extended his golden scepter as a sign of favor (Esther 4:11). This cultural norm underscores Esther's profound risk. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the precarious position of minority groups within the empire, susceptible to the whims of powerful officials like Haman. The reliance on trusted eunuchs or chamberlains like Hatach was common in ancient Near Eastern courts, as they served as reliable, discreet intermediaries for communication, especially in sensitive matters, due to their privileged access and perceived loyalty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Esther. It underscores the **urgency of crisis** and the immediate need for decisive action and communication in the face of existential threat. The repeated mention of Hatach highlights the theme of **divine providence working through human intermediaries**; though God is not explicitly named in Esther, His hand is clearly seen in the strategic placement and reliability of Hatach, enabling crucial communication between Esther and Mordecai (compare Hatach's role in [Esther 4:5](/esther/4-5 "Esther 4:5 - Hatach's Role as Messenger")). It also introduces the theme of **intercession and advocacy**, as Esther is being called upon to use her unique position to plead for her people, foreshadowing her eventual courageous act (see [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Mordecai's Challenge to Esther")). Finally, the verse is part of the **rising action** of the narrative, building tension and setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation and deliverance that will follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dibber_):** The Hebrew verb דִּבֶּר (_dibber_), often translated as "spoke" or "said," carries a nuance of deliberate, purposeful communication, often implying a command or an important message. It is not merely casual conversation but signifies an intentional act of conveying information or instruction. In this context, it emphasizes Esther's active engagement and the seriousness with which she receives and responds to Mordecai's alarming news.
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _tzavah_):** The Hebrew verb צָוָה (_tzavah_), translated as "gave commandment," indicates a strong, authoritative directive or order. While Hatach is a royal chamberlain, Esther, as queen, issues a direct instruction to him concerning Mordecai. This highlights her elevated status and the weight of her message, even if her initial response (in the following verse) expresses apprehension. It underscores the formal and urgent nature of the communication chain being established.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again Esther spake unto Hatach":** This phrase emphasizes the continuation of the dialogue through the trusted intermediary, Hatach. The word "Again" signifies that Hatach had already been sent by Esther to Mordecai (Esther 4:5) and had returned with Mordecai's urgent message. Now, Esther is sending him back. This highlights Hatach's reliability and Esther's dependence on him as the sole conduit for this high-stakes, sensitive communication between herself, isolated in the palace, and Mordecai, who is publicly mourning. It also underscores Esther's agency and her immediate engagement with the crisis.
* **"and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;":** This clause reveals the purpose of Hatach's return journey: to deliver Esther's direct instruction or message to Mordecai. The use of "commandment" (from _tzavah_) indicates that Esther's communication, though it will express her fear of approaching the king unsummoned (Esther 4:11), is nonetheless a formal and authoritative response. It is a directive to Hatach concerning Mordecai, signifying that Esther is taking the matter seriously and is initiating her part in the crucial exchange that will determine the fate of her people.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 4:10, though concise, effectively employs several literary devices to advance the narrative and heighten tension. The most prominent is **Rising Action**, as this verse is a crucial step in the escalating series of events leading to Esther's courageous intervention. It establishes the vital communication link between Esther and Mordecai, which is essential for the plot to unfold. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Esther's immediate response, even if initially hesitant, signals her eventual engagement and the dramatic confrontation to come. The reliance on Hatach as an **Intermediary** is a key narrative device, emphasizing the constraints of the royal court and the necessity of trusted agents in high-stakes situations. Finally, the brevity of the verse itself, contrasted with the immense stakes, creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is fully aware of the genocidal threat that Esther is only now beginning to grasp and respond to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 4:10, while seemingly a simple transitional verse, is deeply significant within the broader theological framework of the book of Esther, which subtly yet powerfully portrays God's providential hand at work even when He is not explicitly named. This verse illustrates the principle that God often uses human agency and seemingly mundane acts of communication to orchestrate His divine purposes. Esther's decision to "give commandment" to Hatach is a small but crucial step in a chain of events that will lead to the deliverance of her people. It underscores the importance of wise counsel and effective communication, particularly in times of crisis, reflecting the biblical truth that "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")). The verse implicitly highlights the value of trusted relationships and intermediaries in navigating complex situations, demonstrating how God can use individuals in specific roles to facilitate His will.

* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Nehemiah 2:4](/nehemiah/2-4 "Nehemiah 2:4 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Action")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 4:10, though a brief account of a message being sent, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, taking the first, seemingly small, step of communication or inquiry can be divinely orchestrated. Esther, isolated and initially fearful, still takes action by dispatching Hatach. This teaches us the importance of not succumbing to paralysis in crisis but actively seeking understanding and engaging with trusted individuals. It underscores the value of clear, timely communication and the necessity of reliable intermediaries or counselors in our lives, whether they are spiritual mentors, wise friends, or professional advisors. God often works through ordinary means and people, and our willingness to communicate, listen, and respond, even with initial apprehension, can set in motion a chain of events that leads to His ultimate purpose. The verse subtly encourages us to be available as "Hatachs" for others, faithfully conveying messages and facilitating connection in times of need, trusting that even our seemingly small acts can contribute to God's larger redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with urgent, overwhelming challenges—do I seek communication and counsel, or do I withdraw?**
* **Who are the trusted intermediaries or counselors in my life that God might use to convey crucial messages or support, and am I open to their input?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to communicate or act, even if the full implications or dangers are not yet clear, trusting Him with the outcome?**

### FAQ
**What was the content of Esther's first message back to Mordecai?**

Answer: Esther's first message, conveyed through Hatach, expressed her profound fear and apprehension about approaching King Ahasuerus. She reminded Mordecai of the strict Persian law: anyone, man or woman, who approached the king in the inner court without being summoned faced immediate death, unless the king extended his golden scepter to them. She stated that she had not been summoned to the king for thirty days, implying her vulnerability and the extreme risk involved in such an action ([Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - Esther's Initial Fear")).

**Why was Hatach so important in this communication?**

Answer: Hatach was crucial because he served as the sole, trusted, and reliable intermediary between Queen Esther, who was confined within the palace, and Mordecai, who was outside in public mourning. As one of the king's chamberlains assigned to Esther, he had privileged access to both parties and could move freely and discreetly. In a court filled with intrigue and danger, Hatach's loyalty and ability to convey sensitive messages accurately and securely were indispensable, enabling the critical dialogue that would ultimately save the Jewish people. His role is first highlighted in [Esther 4:5](/esther/4-5 "Esther 4:5 - Hatach's Role as Messenger"), and he continues to be the conduit in this verse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 4:10, with its depiction of a queen initiating communication for the deliverance of her people, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Esther, in her eventual willingness to "go unto the king" (Esther 4:16) and risk her life for her people, serves as a type of intercessor. Jesus, however, is the supreme and perfect Intercessor, who did not merely risk His life but willingly laid it down for His people. The communication initiated in Esther 4:10, leading to a plan of salvation for the Jews, foreshadows the divine communication of the Gospel, which reveals God's ultimate plan of salvation for all humanity through Christ. Just as Esther was uniquely positioned to approach the king, Jesus, being both God and man, is uniquely qualified to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, serving as our High Priest who "always lives to intercede" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). He is the ultimate "intermediary," not merely conveying messages but embodying the message of reconciliation. His sacrificial love, described in passages like [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life") where He states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep," far surpasses Esther's courage. The "for such a time as this" motif (Esther 4:14) reaches its zenith in Christ's incarnation and atoning death, perfectly timed in God's eternal plan to deliver His chosen people—the Church—from the ultimate decree of death and sin ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.