Bible: Esther 4:5-17

4:5 So Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs who had been placed at her service, 1  and instructed him to find out the cause and reason for Mordecai’s behavior. 2  4:6 So Hathach went to Mordecai at the plaza of the city in front of the king’s gate. 4:7 Then Mordecai related to him everything that had happened to him, even the specific amount of money that Haman had offered to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews to be destroyed. 4:8 He also gave him a written copy of the law that had been disseminated 3  in Susa for their destruction so that he could show it to Esther and talk to her about it. He also gave instructions that she should go to the king to implore him and petition him on behalf of her people. 4:9 So Hathach returned and related Mordecai’s instructions 4  to Esther.

4:10 Then Esther replied to Hathach with instructions for Mordecai: 4:11 All the servants of the king and the people of the king’s provinces know that there is only one law applicable 5  to any man or woman who comes uninvited to the king in the inner court – that person will be put to death, unless the king extends to him the gold scepter, permitting him to be spared. 6  Now I have not been invited to come to the king for some thirty days!

4:12 When Esther’s reply 7  was conveyed to Mordecai, 4:13 he 8  said to take back this answer to Esther: 4:14 Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew 9  who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear 10  from another source, 11  while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be 12  that you have achieved royal status 13  for such a time as this!

4:15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 4:16 Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don’t eat and don’t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I 14  will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. 15  If I perish, I perish!


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