Esther 4:5

KJV

¶ Then called Esther for Hatach, [one] of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it [was], and why it [was].

KJV (with Strong's)

Then called {H7121} Esther {H635} for Hatach {H2047}, one of the king's {H4428} chamberlains {H5631}, whom he had appointed {H5975} to attend {H6440} upon her, and gave him a commandment {H6680} to Mordecai {H4782}, to know {H3045} what it was, and why it was.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Ester summoned Hatakh, one of the king's officials attending her, and instructed him to go to Mordekhai and find out what this was all about and why.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.

American Standard Version

Then called Esther for Hathach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and charged him to go to Mordecai, to know what this was, and why it was.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 4:5 marks a critical turning point in the narrative, as Queen Esther, having heard of Mordecai's profound public distress, takes her first active step in engaging with the unfolding crisis. Isolated within the palace, she dispatches Hatach, a trusted royal chamberlain specifically appointed to her service, with a direct command to Mordecai. Her instruction is precise: to ascertain the exact nature and reason for his unusual and alarming display of mourning, thereby initiating the process that will reveal Haman's genocidal decree against the Jewish people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Mordecai's dramatic public display of grief, donning sackcloth and ashes outside the king's gate in Susa, as described in [Esther 4:1-3](/esther/4-1 "Esther 4:1-3 - Mordecai's Public Mourning"). Esther, initially unaware of the specific cause, only hears of his general distress and sends him clothing, which he refuses ([Esther 4:4](/esther/4-4 "Esther 4:4 - Esther's Initial Reaction")). Her act of sending Hatach signifies a crucial shift from passive concern to active inquiry. It sets in motion the chain of events that will bring the full scope of Haman's plot to her attention, transitioning the narrative from Mordecai's lament to Esther's eventual heroic intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian court was characterized by rigid protocol, strict hierarchies, and limited direct access, especially for the queen. Queens often lived in relative isolation within the inner palace, and direct interaction with commoners, particularly those in public mourning outside the king's gate, would have been highly unusual and improper. The use of a "chamberlain" (Hebrew: _saris_), often a eunuch, was common in ancient Near Eastern courts. These officials were highly trusted, had access to various parts of the palace and even outside, and served as vital intermediaries for communication, particularly in sensitive matters. Hatach's appointment "to attend upon her" underscores his specific role as Esther's personal and reliable conduit, essential for navigating the complexities and restrictions of the royal environment.
* **Key Themes:** Esther's action in this verse highlights several pivotal themes. Firstly, **Concern and Empathy** are evident in her immediate and persistent response to Mordecai's distress, showcasing her deep bond with her foster father despite her elevated status. Secondly, the necessity of **Indirect Communication and Strategic Action** within the confines of the Persian court is emphasized, as Esther wisely utilizes a trusted intermediary rather than attempting a direct, impossible, and potentially dangerous approach. This demonstrates her growing astuteness in navigating royal politics. Thirdly, this verse serves as the critical moment for **Unveiling the Threat**, initiating the process by which Esther moves from ignorance to full awareness of the existential danger facing her people, setting the stage for her courageous intercession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hatach (Hebrew, _Hathakh_):** This name, likely Persian in origin, identifies the specific royal chamberlain chosen by Esther. His designation as "one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her" underscores his unique position of trust and access. He was not merely a general servant but a personal attendant of the queen, making him the ideal, discreet, and reliable messenger for such a sensitive inquiry. His role is pivotal as the bridge between Esther's isolated world and Mordecai's public lament.
* **Chamberlains (Hebrew, _saris_):** While often translated as "eunuch," the term _saris_ in the Old Testament can also refer more broadly to a high-ranking court official or minister, regardless of their physical state. In this context, it signifies Hatach's elevated and trusted position within the royal household, granting him the authority and access necessary to carry out the queen's command, even to someone like Mordecai who was at the king's gate. These officials were indispensable for the functioning of the court and often held significant influence.
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _davar_):** The phrase "gave him a commandment" is significant. It's not merely a casual request or an informal message. _Davar_ here denotes a formal, authoritative instruction or word from the queen. This highlights Esther's queenly authority, even in a personal matter, and the serious nature of her inquiry. It implies that Hatach was under royal obligation to execute her directive promptly and accurately, underscoring the weight and urgency of her desire to understand Mordecai's distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then called Esther for Hatach":** This opening clause immediately establishes Esther's agency and initiative. Upon hearing of Mordecai's distress, her first active response is to summon her trusted attendant. This demonstrates her concern and her strategic thinking in utilizing established court channels.
* **"[one] of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her":** This parenthetical description provides crucial context about Hatach's identity and role. He is not just any servant but a high-ranking official specifically designated by the king to serve Esther. This appointment signifies his reliability, his intimate knowledge of court procedures, and his direct access to the queen, making him the perfect intermediary for a discreet and important mission.
* **"and gave him a commandment to Mordecai":** This phrase emphasizes the formal and authoritative nature of Esther's instruction. It was a direct order from the queen to her trusted messenger, intended for Mordecai. This highlights Esther's position of power and the seriousness with which she views Mordecai's situation, compelling her to act with queenly authority.
* **"to know what it [was], and why it [was].":** This final clause reveals the precise nature of Esther's inquiry. She doesn't merely want to know that Mordecai is distressed, but the specific "what" (the cause or nature of the problem) and the "why" (the underlying reason or motivation). This demonstrates her desire for comprehensive understanding, which is crucial for any effective response. It marks the transition from vague concern to a focused pursuit of critical information.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Esther's initial inquiry sets the stage for her later, more profound acts of intercession. Her active pursuit of information here hints at the courageous and decisive action she will take once the full threat is revealed. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the queen, who holds a position of immense power and proximity to the king, is initially ignorant of the genocidal plot unfolding against her own people, while a lower-ranking official like Mordecai is fully aware. This highlights the insidious nature of Haman's scheme and the isolation of the royal court. Furthermore, Hatach functions as a **Symbol** of the necessary bridge between two otherwise separate worlds: the insulated royal palace and the vulnerable Jewish community outside. His role as a trusted messenger allows for the vital flow of information that will ultimately save a nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther's decisive action in sending Hatach to inquire about Mordecai's distress underscores the biblical principle of seeking understanding before acting, and the importance of compassionate engagement with the suffering of others. Her initial ignorance of the specific threat, despite her proximity to power, highlights the often-hidden nature of evil plots and the need for divine providence to bring truth to light. The narrative implicitly affirms that God works through human agents and their strategic actions, even in seemingly secular contexts, to achieve His purposes. Esther's concern for Mordecai, her foster father, also reflects a deep sense of loyalty and familial love, serving as a model for how believers should respond to the distress of their community members. This moment is not just about gathering information; it's about the queen stepping into her role as a potential intercessor for her people.

* [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Proverbs 18:13 - Seeking Understanding Before Answering")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Looking Out for the Interests of Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther's response in this verse provides a powerful model for believers facing difficult situations today. Instead of succumbing to panic or remaining passive in her ignorance, she takes a proactive, measured, and strategic step to gain clarity. Her decision to "know what it was, and why it was" reminds us of the importance of informed action. In a world often filled with rumors, misinformation, and overwhelming crises, the ability to discern truth and understand the root causes of distress is paramount. Furthermore, Esther's willingness to leverage her available resources—Hatach, a trusted official—illustrates the wisdom of utilizing the means God has placed at our disposal to address challenges. Her empathy for Mordecai's suffering, even before knowing the full extent of the danger, calls us to be attentive and responsive to the pain of those around us, recognizing that our compassionate inquiry can be the first step toward significant intervention and lasting change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Esther's initial inquiry model a wise and proactive approach to confronting unknown crises or distress?**
* **In what ways can we, like Esther, leverage our unique positions, relationships, or resources to seek understanding and address the needs of others in our communities?**
* **What does Esther's reliance on a trusted intermediary teach us about the value of delegation and collaboration in addressing complex problems?**
* **How does seeking to "know what it was, and why it was" prevent missteps or promote more effective intervention in our own lives or in the lives of those we seek to help?**

### FAQ
**Who was Hatach and why was he chosen by Esther for this critical mission?**

Answer: Hatach was "one of the king's chamberlains," a high-ranking and trusted official within the Persian royal court, specifically appointed by the king to attend upon Queen Esther. He was likely a eunuch, a common practice for officials serving in close proximity to royal women, ensuring discretion and loyalty. Esther chose him for this critical mission because of his unique position: he was personally assigned to her, ensuring his loyalty and reliability; he had access to both the queen within the palace and Mordecai outside the king's gate; and his status as a royal official gave his message authority. He served as the ideal, secure, and discreet intermediary to bridge the gap between Esther's isolated world and Mordecai's public distress, enabling the flow of vital information.

**Why didn't Queen Esther go herself to speak with Mordecai, given the urgency of the situation?**

Answer: Due to the extremely rigid and formal protocols of the Persian court, it would have been highly improper, if not impossible, for Queen Esther to directly leave the palace and engage with a commoner, especially one in public mourning outside the king's gate. Queens lived in a state of relative isolation and were bound by strict rules of conduct and access. Such an action would have been a grave breach of etiquette, potentially jeopardizing her position and even her life. Her use of Hatach, a trusted and authorized royal intermediary, was the only permissible and strategic way for her to communicate with Mordecai and gather the necessary information while maintaining her royal dignity and adhering to court custom. This highlights the constraints under which she operated, making her eventual courage even more remarkable when she later approaches the king unsummoned ([Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Decision to Approach the King")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's initial act of inquiry in [Esther 4:5](/esther/4-5 "Esther 4:5 - Esther Sends Hatach to Mordecai") serves as a profound, albeit faint, foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate role as the Great Intercessor and Revealer of truth. Just as Esther, from her position of royalty, dispatches Hatach to uncover the hidden threat against her people, so too does Christ, from His heavenly throne, act on behalf of humanity. He is the ultimate "messenger" who came to reveal the true nature of the spiritual enemy and the depth of sin's decree against humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Esther's need for an intermediary like Hatach points to the human need for a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, a role perfectly fulfilled by Jesus Christ, the "one mediator between God and mankind" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Mankind")). Her compassionate concern for her people, which drives her to seek understanding and eventually act, finds its perfect expression in Christ's boundless love and self-sacrificial intercession, by which He "always lives to intercede" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The unfolding of the plot in Esther, initiated by this verse, ultimately leads to deliverance, mirroring the greater deliverance from sin and death achieved through Christ's redemptive work on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

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.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Esther 1:10

¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.