Esther 4:12 Study Bible: They told to Mordecai Esther's words.

◄ Esther 4:12 ►

When Esther's words were relayed to Mordecai,

When Esther’s words were relayed to Mordecai
When
The word "when" indicates a specific moment in time, a pivotal point in the narrative. In the Hebrew text, this is a conjunction that connects the preceding events with what is about to unfold. It signifies a transition, a moment of decision and action. This is a reminder of the divine timing in our lives, where God orchestrates events for His purposes.

Esther’s words
Esther, whose Hebrew name is Hadassah, is a central figure in this narrative. Her words carry weight and significance, as they are not just personal thoughts but a response to a dire situation. In the context of the Persian Empire, where women had limited power, Esther's words reflect courage and wisdom. Her communication with Mordecai is a testament to her role as a mediator and intercessor for her people.

were relayed
The act of relaying indicates a transmission of information, a chain of communication. In the ancient world, messages were often conveyed through intermediaries, highlighting the importance of trust and accuracy in communication. This phrase underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation, as well as the reliance on faithful messengers to convey critical information.

to Mordecai
Mordecai, a Jew living in exile, is a key figure in the Book of Esther. His name is derived from the Babylonian god Marduk, yet he remains faithful to the God of Israel. Mordecai's role as Esther's cousin and guardian places him in a position of influence and responsibility. His relationship with Esther is pivotal, as he guides and counsels her in navigating the complexities of palace life and the impending threat to their people. This highlights the importance of godly counsel and the impact of spiritual mentorship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
A Jewish queen of Persia, who is faced with the challenge of saving her people from a decree of destruction.

2. Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian, who informs her of the plot against the Jews and urges her to intervene with the king.

3. Haman
The antagonist who plots to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire.

4. Susa (Shushan)
The capital of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place.

5. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who is manipulated by Haman into decreeing the destruction of the Jews.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence
Esther 4:12 reminds us of God's unseen hand in orchestrating events for His purposes. We are called to trust in His sovereignty even when we cannot see the outcome.

Courage in Crisis
Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people challenges us to act courageously in the face of injustice and adversity.

Intercessory Role
Like Esther, believers are called to stand in the gap for others through prayer and action, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Purpose and Timing
Mordecai's message to Esther highlights the importance of recognizing God's timing and purpose in our lives. We are encouraged to seek His will and act accordingly.

Faith and Action
Esther's account teaches that faith often requires action. We must be willing to step out in faith, trusting God to guide and protect us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Esther's response to Mordecai's message in Esther 4:12 demonstrate her faith and courage? How can we apply this in our own lives when faced with difficult decisions?

2. In what ways does the account of Esther illustrate the concept of divine providence, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives?

3. How can we identify and act upon the "such a time as this" moments in our own lives, where God may be calling us to step out in faith for a greater purpose?

4. What are some practical ways we can intercede for others, following Esther's example of advocacy and intervention?

5. How do the themes of Esther 4:12 connect with other biblical accounts of deliverance and God's faithfulness, and what lessons can we draw from these connections for our spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 50:20
Joseph's account parallels Esther's in that both involve God using individuals to bring about deliverance for His people, despite evil intentions.

Romans 8:28
This verse speaks to God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things for good, which is evident in Esther's account.

Daniel 3:16-18
Like Esther, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrate faith and courage in the face of potential death.

Proverbs 21:1
This verse highlights God's control over the hearts of kings, relevant to Esther's approach to King Ahasuerus.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God, similar to how Esther prepares to approach the king with her petition.

Sermons

Sympathy

W. Dinwiddle

Esther 4:4-12

People

Esther, Haman, Hatach, Mordecai

Places

Susa

Topics

Declare, Esther, Esther's, Mordecai, Mor'decai, Related, Reported

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Esther 4:12-14

7505 Jews, the

Esther 4:12-17

5978 warning

Library

Mordecai and Esther
'For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'--ESTHER iv. 14. All Christians are agreed in holding the principles which underlie our missionary operations. They all believe that the world is a fallen world, that without Christ the fallen world is a lost world, that the preaching …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Watkinson -- the Transfigured Sackcloth
William L. Watkinson, Wesleyan minister, was born at Hull, 1838, was educated privately and rose to eminence as a preacher and writer. The Rev. William Durban calls him "The classic preacher of British Methodism." "He ranks," says Dr. Durban, "with Dr. Dallinger and the Rev. Thomas Gunn Selby as the three most learned and refined of living preachers in the English Methodist pulpit. Dr. Watkinson is famous for the glittering illustrations which adorn his style. These are for the most part gathered …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

A Case of Conscience Resolved
WHETHER, WHERE A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SITUATE, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE WOMEN OF THAT CONGREGATION, ORDINARILY, AND BY APPOINTMENT, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THEIR BRETHREN, AND SO TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER, TO PERFORM SOME PARTS OF DIVINE WORSHIP, AS PRAYER, ETC., WITHOUT THEIR MEN? AND THE ARGUMENTS MADE USE OF FOR THAT PRACTICE, EXAMINED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This exceedingly rare tract was first published in 1683, and was not reprinted, either separately, or in any edition of Bunyan's …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures and Excommunication.
1. Of the power of the keys, or the common discipline of the Church. Necessity and very great utility of this discipline. 2. Its various degrees. 1. Private admonition. 2. Rebukes before witnesses. 3. Excommunication. 3. Different degrees of delinquency. Modes of procedure in both kinds of chastisement. 4. Delicts to be distinguished from flagitious wickedness. The last to be more severely punished. 5. Ends of this discipline. 1. That the wicked may not, by being admitted to the Lord's Table, put …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Esther
The spirit of the book of Esther is anything but attractive. It is never quoted or referred to by Jesus or His apostles, and it is a satisfaction to think that in very early times, and even among Jewish scholars, its right to a place in the canon was hotly contested. Its aggressive fanaticism and fierce hatred of all that lay outside of Judaism were felt by the finer spirits to be false to the more generous instincts that lay at the heart of the Hebrew religion; but by virtue of its very intensity …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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