And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
And Mordecai {H4782} told {H5046} him of all that had happened {H7136} unto him, and of the sum {H6575} of the money {H3701} that Haman {H2001} had promised {H559} to pay {H8254} to the king's {H4428} treasuries {H1595} for the Jews {H3064}, to destroy {H6} them.
and Mordekhai told him everything that had happened to him and exactly how much silver Haman had promised to put in the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.
and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews.
And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and the exact sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
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Esther 3:2
And all the king's servants, that [were] in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did [him] reverence. -
Esther 3:15
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Esther 4:7 details Mordecai's crucial communication to Queen Esther regarding Haman's sinister plot to exterminate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. This verse marks a pivotal moment, as the full scope of the danger is conveyed to the one person who might be able to intervene.
Context
Following the issuance of Haman's decree to destroy all Jews (Esther 3:13), Mordecai is in deep distress, publicly mourning in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1). Esther, unaware of the specific nature of the threat to her people, sends Hatach, one of her eunuchs, to inquire about Mordecai's sorrow. In this verse, Mordecai seizes the opportunity to reveal to Hatach, and through him to Esther, the precise details of Haman's genocidal plan and his financial commitment to it.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "sum of the money" refers to the massive 10,000 talents of silver Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries (Esther 3:9). This was an astronomical amount, equivalent to perhaps two-thirds of the Persian Empire's annual revenue, demonstrating Haman's extreme determination and the high cost he placed on the destruction of the Jews. It also indicates his confidence that the king would approve his plan, given the financial incentive.
Practical Application
Esther 4:7 reminds us of the importance of clear and timely communication, especially in times of crisis. Mordecai didn't just lament; he acted decisively to convey critical information to the person who could make a difference. This verse also highlights that evil often has a cost, and those who perpetrate it are sometimes willing to pay a high price. It encourages believers to be vigilant, to discern the true nature of threats, and to communicate effectively when called to address injustice or danger, trusting that God can use even dire circumstances for His redemptive purposes, as seen in Esther 4:14.