The verse "They told to Mordecai Esther's words" (Esther 4:12) means that the message Esther had conveyed was relayed back to Mordecai. Let's break it down in the context of the story:
Mordecai: Esther's cousin and adoptive father figure. He is outside the palace walls, receiving messages and giving Esther instructions.
Esther: Now Queen of Persia, but hiding her Jewish identity.
Esther's words (in the preceding verses, specifically 4:8-9): Esther had tasked Hathach, a royal eunuch assigned to her, to find out why Mordecai was in mourning and what was troubling him. In response to learning that Haman planned to kill all the Jews in the kingdom, Esther sent Hathach back to Mordecai (4:8-9) with a copy of the decree and with words asking Mordecai to relay a message to the King.
They: These are likely the messengers, probably Hathach, who were serving as intermediaries between Esther and Mordecai. They carried the queen's words back to Mordecai.
Therefore, Esther had communicated a message to Mordecai (through Hathach), and the verse signifies the completion of that communication. Hathach brought the words to Mordecai.
Why is this important?
This verse is a crucial turning point in the story. It signifies:
Confirmation of the Threat: Mordecai is now officially informed of the severity of the situation. He knows that the decree is real and that the Jewish people are in grave danger.
Continues the Communication Chain: Esther and Mordecai are working together, despite the dangers and her position in the palace. This communication is vital for them to strategize and find a solution.
The verse sets the stage for Mordecai's reply to Esther (Esther 4:13-14), which is a powerful and pivotal moment in the narrative, urging her to act and risk her own life to save her people.
The verse "They told to Mordecai Esther's words" (Esther 4:12) means that the message Esther had conveyed was relayed back to Mordecai. Let's break it down in the context of the story:
Mordecai: Esther's cousin and adoptive father figure. He is outside the palace walls, receiving messages and giving Esther instructions.
Esther: Now Queen of Persia, but hiding her Jewish identity.
Esther's words (in the preceding verses, specifically 4:8-9): Esther had tasked Hathach, a royal eunuch assigned to her, to find out why Mordecai was in mourning and what was troubling him. In response to learning that Haman planned to kill all the Jews in the kingdom, Esther sent Hathach back to Mordecai (4:8-9) with a copy of the decree and with words asking Mordecai to relay a message to the King.
They: These are likely the messengers, probably Hathach, who were serving as intermediaries between Esther and Mordecai. They carried the queen's words back to Mordecai.
Therefore, Esther had communicated a message to Mordecai (through Hathach), and the verse signifies the completion of that communication. Hathach brought the words to Mordecai.
Why is this important?
This verse is a crucial turning point in the story. It signifies:
Confirmation of the Threat: Mordecai is now officially informed of the severity of the situation. He knows that the decree is real and that the Jewish people are in grave danger.
Continues the Communication Chain: Esther and Mordecai are working together, despite the dangers and her position in the palace. This communication is vital for them to strategize and find a solution.
The verse sets the stage for Mordecai's reply to Esther (Esther 4:13-14), which is a powerful and pivotal moment in the narrative, urging her to act and risk her own life to save her people.