and did all
This phrase underscores the completeness of Mordecai's obedience. In the context of the Jewish faith, obedience to God's will is paramount, and Mordecai's actions reflect a wholehearted commitment to the task at hand. This mirrors the biblical principle found in Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength, indicating that true obedience involves total dedication.

that Esther had instructed him.
Esther's role as a leader is emphasized here. Despite the patriarchal society of ancient Persia, Esther's influence and wisdom are acknowledged and respected by Mordecai. This reflects the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals, including women, to fulfill His purposes, as seen with figures like Deborah in Judges 4-5. Esther's instructions to Mordecai also foreshadow the intercessory role of Christ, who instructs and guides His followers in the New Testament. Esther's courage and strategic thinking are pivotal in the deliverance of the Jewish people, illustrating the power of faith and action combined.

“ So Mordecai went …” (Esther 4:17)

• The verse opens with movement—Mordecai leaves the city gate and steps toward Esther’s plan without delay. Like Abraham who “rose early” to obey God (Genesis 22:3) and the disciples who “immediately left their nets” (Matthew 4:20), Mordecai responds promptly.

• His going signals trust that God can work through the unlikely setting of a pagan palace just as He once acted through Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41).

• The simple verb highlights courage. Mordecai had been mourning in sackcloth (Esther 4:1), yet he now shifts from lament to action, mirroring Nehemiah’s pattern of praying and then building (Nehemiah 4:9).

“… and did …”

• Obedience is not complete until intentions become deeds. James reminds us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

• Mordecai’s actions embody that truth: he will gather the Jews and lead a three-day fast (Esther 4:16).

• The phrase also recalls Israel at Sinai: “All that the LORD has spoken we will do” (Exodus 19:8). When God’s people act on His guidance, He consistently moves on their behalf (Joshua 3:14-17).

“… all that Esther had instructed him.”

• The word “all” underscores full compliance—nothing omitted, no half-measures. Saul once lost a kingdom for partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23); Mordecai gains deliverance by complete obedience.

• The reversal is striking: earlier Esther obeyed Mordecai (Esther 2:20). Now Mordecai submits to Esther’s God-given role, reflecting the mutual humility urged in Philippians 2:3-4.

• He trusts the wisdom God placed in Esther, echoing Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

• This cooperation knits the covenant people together, preparing the ground for their rescue (Esther 8:11-17) and displaying the harmony found where each member serves the other (1 Corinthians 12:21-26).

Esther 4:17 captures decisive obedience. Mordecai leaves his mourning, acts on Esther’s Spirit-led plan, and carries it out completely. His prompt movement, tangible deeds, and wholehearted submission model the kind of faith that God delights to honor, setting the stage for Israel’s dramatic deliverance.

Parallel Commentaries ...