Esther 4:3 - In every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Esther 4:3" mean?
Esther 4:3 describes the widespread reaction of the Jewish people upon learning of Haman's decree to annihilate them. Let's break down the meaning:
"In every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came..." This emphasizes the extensive reach of the decree. It wasn't isolated; it affected Jewish communities across the vast Persian empire. The decree was public and official, coming directly from the king and therefore carrying legal authority.
"...there was great mourning among the Jews..." This signifies deep sorrow and grief. The Jews understood the gravity of the situation - their very existence was threatened.
"...and fasting, and weeping, and wailing..." These are outward expressions of intense grief and repentance.
Fasting: Abstaining from food as a sign of mourning, humility, and a plea for divine intervention.
Weeping and wailing: Loud crying and lamenting, both emotional and physical displays of anguish.
"...and many lay in sackcloth and ashes." This symbolizes profound humiliation, repentance, and mourning.
Sackcloth: A coarse, uncomfortable fabric worn as a sign of humility and mourning.
Ashes: Sprinkling ashes on oneself was another ancient practice symbolizing grief, repentance, and lowliness.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of widespread despair and mourning among the Jewish people. They were in a state of intense grief, expressing their sorrow and seeking divine mercy in response to the imminent threat of annihilation. It underscores the seriousness of the situation and highlights the desperation that led Esther and Mordecai to take action.
The verse illustrates the power of the king's decree and the vulnerability of the Jews within the Persian empire. It sets the stage for the subsequent events in the Book of Esther, where Esther bravely intervenes to save her people.
Esther 4:3 - In every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
What does "Esther 4:3" mean?
Esther 4:3 describes the widespread reaction of the Jewish people upon learning of Haman's decree to annihilate them. Let's break down the meaning:
"In every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came..." This emphasizes the extensive reach of the decree. It wasn't isolated; it affected Jewish communities across the vast Persian empire. The decree was public and official, coming directly from the king and therefore carrying legal authority.
"...there was great mourning among the Jews..." This signifies deep sorrow and grief. The Jews understood the gravity of the situation - their very existence was threatened.
"...and fasting, and weeping, and wailing..." These are outward expressions of intense grief and repentance.
Fasting: Abstaining from food as a sign of mourning, humility, and a plea for divine intervention.
Weeping and wailing: Loud crying and lamenting, both emotional and physical displays of anguish.
"...and many lay in sackcloth and ashes." This symbolizes profound humiliation, repentance, and mourning.
Sackcloth: A coarse, uncomfortable fabric worn as a sign of humility and mourning.
Ashes: Sprinkling ashes on oneself was another ancient practice symbolizing grief, repentance, and lowliness.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of widespread despair and mourning among the Jewish people. They were in a state of intense grief, expressing their sorrow and seeking divine mercy in response to the imminent threat of annihilation. It underscores the seriousness of the situation and highlights the desperation that led Esther and Mordecai to take action.
The verse illustrates the power of the king's decree and the vulnerability of the Jews within the Persian empire. It sets the stage for the subsequent events in the Book of Esther, where Esther bravely intervenes to save her people.