Esther 4:4

KJV

So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told [it] her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received [it] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Esther's {H635} maids {H5291} and her chamberlains {H5631} came {H935} and told {H5046} it her. Then was the queen {H4436} exceedingly {H3966} grieved {H2342}; and she sent {H7971} raiment {H899} to clothe {H3847} Mordecai {H4782}, and to take away {H5493} his sackcloth {H8242} from him: but he received {H6901} it not.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the girls and officials attending Ester came and informed her of this, the queen became deeply distressed. She sent clothes for Mordekhai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he wouldn't accept them.

Berean Standard Bible

When Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.

American Standard Version

And Esther’s maidens and her chamberlains came and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly grieved: and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take his sackcloth from off him; but he received it not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 4:4 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, detailing Queen Esther's initial reaction to the sight of her guardian, Mordecai, in deep public mourning. Upon being informed by her palace staff of Mordecai's distressed state, Esther is profoundly grieved and attempts to alleviate his suffering by sending him new clothes. However, Mordecai's resolute refusal of these garments underscores the gravity of the situation, signaling that his distress is not a superficial matter but a profound lament over an existential threat, thereby compelling Esther to seek a deeper understanding of the crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Mordecai's public display of grief and lament. In [Esther 4:1-3](/esther/4-1 "Esther 4:1-3 - Mordecai's Public Lament"), upon learning of Haman's genocidal decree, Mordecai tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes, and goes into the city, crying out with a loud and bitter cry. His actions are a deliberate, public demonstration of profound distress, intended to draw attention and elicit a response. The narrative then shifts from Mordecai's public lament to the private confines of the palace, where news of his unusual behavior reaches Esther through her servants, setting in motion the chain of events that will lead to her courageous intervention. The verse serves as the crucial link between the external crisis and Esther's internal world, preparing her for the revelation of the plot.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), specifically the royal palace in Susa. Persian court protocol was rigid, and public displays of mourning, especially by someone connected to the royal family, were highly unusual and disruptive. Sackcloth (Hebrew: *saq*) was a coarse garment, typically made of goat's hair, worn as a sign of deep mourning, humiliation, repentance, or extreme distress. Its public display, often accompanied by ashes, was a universally recognized symbol of calamity. Esther, as queen, lived a sheltered life within the inner sanctum of the palace, often isolated from external events, particularly those affecting the Jewish community, whose identity she had kept secret at Mordecai's instruction (see [Esther 2:10](/esther/2-10 "Esther 2:10 - Esther Conceals Her Identity")). The use of "maids and chamberlains" highlights the reliance on eunuchs and female attendants as primary sources of information and intermediaries within the highly stratified Persian court.
* **Key Themes:** Esther 4:4 introduces several critical themes. It highlights the theme of **ignorance versus revelation**, as Esther is initially unaware of the true nature of Mordecai's grief, reflecting her sheltered existence within the palace. Her initial response of sending clothes demonstrates a superficial understanding, contrasting with the profound **depth of the crisis** facing her people, which Mordecai's sackcloth symbolizes. The verse also underscores the **power of non-verbal communication** and **unwavering resolve**, as Mordecai's refusal to remove his sackcloth serves as a powerful catalyst, forcing Esther to move beyond superficial solutions and seek a deeper understanding of the existential threat. This moment also subtly introduces the theme of **divine providence** at work, as Mordecai's actions, though seemingly disruptive, are part of God's larger plan to position Esther for her ultimate role in the deliverance of her people, echoing the later challenge in [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Mordecai's Challenge to Esther").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grieved (Hebrew, _chûl_):** The Hebrew verb חוּל (*chûl*) often describes a writhing, twisting, or trembling motion, conveying intense physical and emotional pain. When applied to Esther's reaction, "exceedingly grieved" (literally "she writhed greatly") suggests a profound internal turmoil, anguish, and distress that goes beyond mere sadness. This strong emotional response indicates Esther's deep affection for Mordecai and her sensitivity, even before she understands the full scope of the disaster.
* **Sackcloth (Hebrew, _saq_):** The Hebrew word שַׂק (*saq*) refers to a coarse, dark fabric, typically made of goat's hair, worn as a sign of mourning, humiliation, or repentance. It was a common practice in the ancient Near East to don sackcloth, often accompanied by ashes, to express profound sorrow or national calamity. Mordecai's wearing of sackcloth was not merely a personal expression of grief but a public, symbolic act signifying the dire predicament of the Jewish people, an unmissable signal of extreme distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told [it] her."**: This clause highlights the communication chain within the Persian palace. Mordecai's public lament at the king's gate was so conspicuous and unusual that it was inevitably reported to the queen by her trusted personal attendants (maids) and eunuchs (chamberlains). These individuals served as Esther's eyes and ears to the world outside her immediate royal apartments, making them crucial conduits for information.
* **"Then was the queen exceedingly grieved;"**: Upon hearing of Mordecai's distressed state, Esther's immediate reaction is one of profound emotional pain. The intensity of her grief, described by the Hebrew *chûl*, underscores her deep personal bond with Mordecai, her guardian and cousin. This initial response is rooted in concern for him personally, rather than an understanding of the national crisis.
* **"and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him:"**: Esther's immediate action is practical and well-intentioned, reflecting her desire to alleviate Mordecai's visible suffering and restore him to a state of normalcy and dignity befitting his position near the palace. Her solution, however, is superficial; she attempts to address the symptom (his attire) rather than the underlying cause (the decree). This reveals her initial ignorance of the true gravity of the situation.
* **"but he received [it] not."**: This is the pivotal moment of the verse. Mordecai's resolute refusal of the clean garments is not an act of stubbornness but a deliberate, non-verbal communication. It signifies that his distress cannot be remedied by a mere change of clothes; the problem is far deeper and more severe. His refusal forces Esther to look beyond the surface and compels her to seek a full explanation, thus initiating her involvement in the unfolding crisis.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the luxurious, sheltered life of Queen Esther within the palace and Mordecai's public display of profound grief and national lament in sackcloth and ashes outside the gate. This contrast highlights Esther's initial disconnect from the impending doom facing her people. **Symbolism** is powerfully used through Mordecai's sackcloth, which is not merely clothing but a potent symbol of the Jewish people's collective mourning, humiliation, and the existential threat they face. His refusal of the clean garments further symbolizes the inadequacy of superficial solutions in the face of a deep-seated crisis. The entire interaction serves as a dramatic **catalyst**, pushing Esther from passive ignorance to active engagement, thus setting the stage for her heroic intervention. This moment also contains an element of **foreshadowing**, as Mordecai's unwavering stance hints at the gravity of the situation that Esther will soon confront, and the difficult, uncomfortable choices she will need to make.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 4:4 serves as a powerful illustration of how God often works through human intermediaries and seemingly ordinary interactions to bring about His sovereign purposes. Esther's initial grief and Mordecai's resolute refusal of comfort highlight the necessity of confronting the true depth of a problem rather than offering superficial fixes. This moment underscores the theme of divine providence, where even within a book that never explicitly mentions God, His hand is evident in orchestrating events and preparing individuals for their roles. It also speaks to the importance of lament and intercession in the face of grave injustice, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership often begins with a deep empathy for suffering and a refusal to ignore the cries of the afflicted.

* [Jonah 3:6](/jonah/3-6 "Jonah 3:6 - King of Nineveh in Sackcloth")
* [2 Samuel 3:31](/2_samuel/3-31 "2 Samuel 3:31 - David's Mourning for Abner")
* [Isaiah 22:12](/isaiah/22-12 "Isaiah 22:12 - Call to Weeping and Mourning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 4:4 challenges us to look beyond the surface of distress and to truly understand the root causes of suffering, whether in our own lives or in the lives of those around us. Esther's initial impulse to provide a superficial solution (new clothes) is a natural human reaction, but Mordecai's refusal forces a deeper engagement. This reminds us that genuine compassion often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to listen intently, and to confront uncomfortable truths. It also highlights the courage required to communicate the gravity of a situation, even when it means refusing easy fixes. As believers, we are called to be attentive to the "sackcloth" moments in our world—the signs of deep pain, injustice, and spiritual distress—and to respond not with superficial remedies but with a commitment to understanding, intercession, and ultimately, action that addresses the core issues.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the lives of those around me am I tempted to offer superficial solutions instead of seeking to understand the deeper problem?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to the "sackcloth moments" of others, moving beyond initial discomfort to genuine empathy and understanding?**
* **When have I, like Mordecai, needed to refuse a "comfort" or "easy fix" in order to communicate the true gravity of a situation?**
* **What role do my "maids and chamberlains" (my trusted circle) play in bringing important, even uncomfortable, truths to my attention? Am I open to hearing them?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Mordecai just tell Esther directly about the decree?**

Answer: Mordecai could not simply enter the queen's presence unsummoned, as this was strictly forbidden by Persian court protocol and could result in death (see [Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The Law of the King's Presence")). His public display of mourning in sackcloth at the king's gate was a strategic, non-verbal communication designed to be noticed and reported to Esther by her trusted attendants. It was the most effective way for him to convey the extreme gravity of the situation and compel her to inquire further without directly violating royal decree or putting himself in immediate danger by attempting to force an audience.

**Why was Esther initially unaware of the decree against the Jews?**

Answer: Esther's life as queen was highly insulated within the royal palace. She was likely shielded from many external political events, especially those that did not directly involve her or the king's immediate affairs. Furthermore, at Mordecai's instruction, she had kept her Jewish identity a secret (see [Esther 2:10](/esther/2-10 "Esther 2:10 - Esther Conceals Her Identity")), meaning she would not have been directly targeted by Haman's edict in her public royal capacity, nor would she have been privy to the discussions or rumors among the Jewish community. Her initial ignorance highlights the profound disconnect between the palace's opulence and the existential threat looming over her people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 4:4, with its depiction of deep grief and a strategic refusal of superficial comfort, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Mordecai's sackcloth symbolizes the profound lament and desperate state of humanity under the curse of sin, a condition that no mere "change of clothes" or external remedy could fix. Just as Mordecai's refusal compelled Esther to confront the true depth of the crisis, so too does the gospel reveal that humanity's problem is not superficial but requires a radical, divine intervention. Jesus, the ultimate Intercessor, did not offer a superficial fix for our sin and suffering. Instead, he fully entered into our "sackcloth" state, taking on human flesh and experiencing profound grief and agony, even to the point of crying out in the garden of Gethsemane (see [Matthew 26:38-39](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38-39 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). He refused the "cup" of superficial deliverance, choosing instead the path of ultimate suffering and sacrifice on the cross (see [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), thereby addressing the root cause of humanity's separation from God. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus provides not just new garments but a complete transformation, clothing us with his righteousness (see [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation") and [Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ")), and becoming our advocate who continually intercedes for us (see [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")).

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 77:2

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.

Esther 1:12

But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by [his] chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

Genesis 37:35

And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Isaiah 56:3

¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.

2 Kings 9:32

And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who [is] on my side? who? And there looked out to him two [or] three eunuchs.

Jeremiah 31:15

Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, [and] bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they [were] not.

1 Samuel 8:15

And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.