Monday, January 20, 2014

Lessons from Esther: Trouble at the gate

So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. 5 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. 6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate. 7 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. 8 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.  Esther 4:4-8

This continues my lessons on Esther. To review previous lessons please start here.

Esther is in the palace, safely protected from the events of the outside world. Most of what happened in the towns and provinces were not reported to anyone but the king.  Esther did however have maids and chamberlains who traveled outside the walls of the palace to purchase items.  I’m sure they knew there was a relationship between Mordecai and Esther. They were perplexed by Mordecai’s appearance. Surely something must be wrong.

Esther received word that Mordecai was standing outside the wall wearing sackcloth. She doesn’t ask why but quickly sends him good clothing to wear. I’m sure he is troubled by this but immediately refuses.

After the refusal she now sends word through the chamberlain to find out what is going on. Mordecai quickly tells Hatach the whole story. He doesn’t end with telling but shows him the “royal decree” which says the Jews will be destroyed. He sends the message to Esther by way of Hatach to go before the king immediately and plead for her people.

Join me the next time to find out what happens.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

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