Esther 4:8

KJV

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew [it] unto Esther, and to declare [it] unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also he gave {H5414} him the copy {H6572} of the writing {H3791} of the decree {H1881} that was given {H5414} at Shushan {H7800} to destroy {H8045} them, to shew {H7200} it unto Esther {H635}, and to declare {H5046} it unto her, and to charge {H6680} her that she should go in {H935} unto the king {H4428}, to make supplication {H2603} unto him, and to make request {H1245} before {H6440} him for her people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also gave him a copy of the decree for their destruction issued in Shushan; so that he could show it to Ester, explain it to her, and then instruct her to approach the king, intercede with him and implore his favor on behalf of her people.

Berean Standard Bible

Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.

American Standard Version

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 4:8 marks a critical turning point in the unfolding drama, as Mordecai dispatches Hathach to Queen Esther with a copy of Haman's genocidal decree. This verse conveys the desperate urgency of the situation, explicitly charging Esther with the monumental task of approaching King Ahasuerus unbidden to plead for the lives of her people. It underscores the immense burden of responsibility placed upon Esther, positioning her as the sole hope for the Jewish nation's survival and setting the stage for her courageous intercession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Mordecai's profound distress upon learning of Haman's decree to annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire, as detailed in [Esther 4:1-3](/esther/4-1 "Esther 4:1-3 - Mordecai's Grief"). Having torn his clothes and put on sackcloth, Mordecai sends Hathach, one of Esther's eunuchs, to inform her of the dire situation. The preceding chapters establish Haman's rise to power and his malicious plot, sealed by the king's signet ring in [Esther 3:10](/esther/3-10 "Esther 3:10 - Haman Receives the King's Ring"), and the circulation of the decree throughout the provinces in [Esther 3:13](/esther/3-13 "Esther 3:13 - The Decree to Destroy the Jews"). Esther 4:8 thus serves as the direct catalyst for Esther's involvement, transitioning the narrative from Mordecai's lament to Esther's crucial role as an intercessor. It sets up her initial reluctance in [Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - Esther's Fear") and Mordecai's famous challenge in [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Mordecai's Challenge to Esther").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold within the vast Persian Empire, specifically in the capital city of Shushan (Susa). The decree mentioned in the verse would have been written in the official Aramaic script and disseminated throughout the 127 provinces, reflecting the highly centralized and bureaucratic nature of Persian rule. Persian law, particularly concerning the king's decrees, was considered immutable, as highlighted in [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - Persian Law is Immutable") and [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The Immutability of Persian Law"). Approaching the king uninvited was a capital offense, punishable by death unless the king extended his golden scepter, a custom that underscores the immense power of the monarch and the extreme danger Esther faced. The Jewish people, living in diaspora, were vulnerable minorities subject to the whims of the ruling power, making Haman's genocidal plot a terrifyingly real threat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Book of Esther. The most prominent is **Intercession and Advocacy**, as Esther is explicitly charged to "make supplication" and "make request" for her people, embodying the role of a courageous advocate. It also highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, even though God is not explicitly named in the book; Esther's strategic placement "for such a time as this" ([Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Mordecai's Challenge")) is a testament to a guiding hand. The **Burden of Responsibility** is palpable, as Mordecai places the weight of the entire nation's survival on Esther's shoulders, challenging her to use her unique position for the greater good. Finally, the **Urgency of Crisis** is paramount, driven by the immediate threat of annihilation outlined in the decree, demanding swift and decisive action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charge (Hebrew, _tzavah'_):** The KJV translates this as "charge her." The Hebrew verb צוה (_tzavah_) signifies a strong command, an imperative, often implying a weighty responsibility or a divinely ordained instruction. It's not merely a suggestion but a binding directive, emphasizing the gravity and non-negotiable nature of Esther's mission. Mordecai is not asking Esther; he is commanding her to act.
* **Supplication (Hebrew, _tehinna'_):** This word (תְּחִנָּה) denotes an earnest, humble plea for favor, mercy, or grace, often made from a position of distress or need. It suggests a fervent, heartfelt appeal, acknowledging the king's power and the petitioner's vulnerability. This is not a casual request but a desperate cry for deliverance.
* **Request (Hebrew, _baqqashah'_):** The Hebrew term (בַּקָּשָׁה) is a more general word for a petition or request. When paired with "supplication," it intensifies the meaning, indicating a formal, comprehensive, and urgent appeal. Together, "supplication" and "request" convey the full scope of Esther's mission: to humbly and fervently present a life-or-death petition on behalf of her people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them":** Mordecai ensures that Esther receives tangible, undeniable proof of the existential threat. The "copy of the writing" (literally, "the writing of the decree") underscores the official, legal, and binding nature of Haman's edict, which originated from the capital city, Shushan. The phrase "to destroy them" leaves no ambiguity about the decree's genocidal intent against the Jewish people.
* **"to shew [it] unto Esther, and to declare [it] unto her":** This clause emphasizes Mordecai's intention for Esther to be fully informed and comprehend the gravity of the situation. "Shew" implies presenting the physical document, while "declare" suggests explaining its contents and implications. Mordecai wants to ensure there is no misunderstanding regarding the imminent danger facing her and her people.
* **"and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people":** This is the heart of the verse, conveying Mordecai's direct command and Esther's prescribed action. The "charge" is a strong imperative, demanding immediate and courageous action. Her mission involves an uninvited approach to the king, a perilous act, for the specific purpose of "making supplication" and "making request"—two terms that together denote a desperate, humble, and urgent plea for the lives of "her people," the Jewish nation.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 4:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact. The explicit "charge" from Mordecai to Esther employs **Imperative** language, highlighting the absolute necessity and urgency of her mission. There is significant **Dramatic Irony** at play, as the reader is aware of Esther's Jewish identity, a fact concealed from the king and most of the court, which makes her potential intercession both uniquely qualified and incredibly dangerous. The verse also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, directly setting the stage for Esther's courageous approach to the king in [Esther 5](/esther/5 "Esther 5 - Esther Approaches the King") and the subsequent reversal of the decree. The phrase "her people" functions as **Synecdoche**, where a part (Esther's immediate family/heritage) stands for the whole (the entire Jewish nation), emphasizing the collective threat and Esther's representative burden.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 4:8 is a pivotal moment that underscores the intersection of human courage and divine providence, even when God's name is absent from the text. It reveals a profound theological truth: God often works through the obedience and bravery of individuals to accomplish His purposes. Esther's call to intercede for her people is a testament to the power of advocacy and the responsibility of those in positions of influence to speak truth to power, especially on behalf of the vulnerable. Her willingness to risk her life for others echoes a pattern seen throughout biblical history, where individuals are called to step into dangerous situations for the sake of God's people and His plan. This verse demonstrates that even in seemingly secular contexts, God's sovereign hand guides events, positioning His servants for critical moments of deliverance.

* [Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4-11 "Nehemiah's Prayer of Supplication")
* [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God Seeks an Intercessor")
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 4:8 serves as a powerful call to action for believers today, challenging us to consider our own unique positions, talents, and resources as potential instruments for God's purposes. Just as Esther was strategically placed in the palace, we too are positioned in our families, workplaces, communities, and spheres of influence for a reason. This verse compels us to move beyond passive observation of injustice or suffering and to actively engage in intercession and advocacy. It reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it, especially when the stakes are high. Our "charge" may not be to approach a king, but it might involve speaking up for the marginalized, challenging systemic injustices, or simply praying fervently for those in need. The question for us, as it was for Esther, is whether we are willing to use our influence "for such a time as this" to bring about God's kingdom and righteousness in our world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "decree" or injustice in your community or the world is God calling you to be aware of and respond to?**
* **In what ways has God positioned you with unique influence, resources, or access that could be used for the good of others?**
* **What fears or hesitations might prevent you from "going in" and interceding on behalf of others, and how can you overcome them?**
* **How does Esther's call to "make supplication" inspire your own prayer life and commitment to intercession?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "decree" mentioned in Esther 4:8, and why was it so dangerous?**

Answer: The decree was Haman's edict, issued with King Ahasuerus's authority, commanding the annihilation of all Jewish people throughout the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire on a specific day. [Esther 3:13](/esther/3-13 "Esther 3:13 - Haman's Decree to Destroy the Jews") explicitly states its purpose: "to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day." This made it an existential threat to the entire Jewish nation, leaving no one exempt and no possibility of escape within the empire's vast reach. The danger was compounded by the fact that Persian laws, once written and sealed with the king's ring, were considered irrevocable, as seen in [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The Immutability of Persian Law").

**Why did Mordecai specifically "charge" Esther to go to the king, rather than attempting to intervene himself or through other means?**

Answer: Mordecai understood that Esther's unique position as queen made her the only person with direct access to the king who could potentially influence him. While Mordecai was a high-ranking official, he did not have the intimate access or personal relationship with the king that Esther did. Furthermore, the Persian court protocol dictated that approaching the king uninvited was a capital offense, punishable by death unless the king extended his golden scepter ([Esther 4:11](/esther/4-11 "Esther 4:11 - The Risk of Approaching the King")). Only Esther, as the queen, had any remote chance of surviving such an approach, making her the last and only hope for her people. Mordecai's "charge" was an act of desperate necessity, recognizing her singular, strategic placement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's call to "make supplication" and "make request" for her people, even at the risk of her own life, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. Esther, a queen, steps into the breach for her earthly people, risking death to save them from physical annihilation. Christ, the King of kings, willingly laid down His divine life not just for a nation, but for all humanity, to save us from eternal spiritual death. He is our ultimate intercessor, who "always lives to intercede" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), standing before the throne of God not with a plea for mercy for Himself, but as our advocate. Just as Esther was uniquely positioned to approach the Persian king, Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Her courageous act, born of love for her people, points to the infinitely greater love of the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")).

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

Ecclesiastes 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Job 9:15

Whom, though I were righteous, [yet] would I not answer, [but] I would make supplication to my judge.

Esther 3:14

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

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 2:20

Esther had not [yet] shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Proverbs 16:14

¶ The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

Proverbs 16:15

In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.