Esther 4:8 - He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people.
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 4:8" mean?
This verse, Esther 4:8, is a crucial turning point in the Book of Esther. It explains a key action taken by Mordecai in his effort to persuade Esther to intervene with the King on behalf of the Jewish people. Let's break it down:
"He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them..." Mordecai provides Hathach (a royal eunuch who served Esther) with a copy of the official edict that has been proclaimed throughout the city of Shushan (Susa). This decree, instigated by Haman, orders the complete annihilation of all Jewish people in the Persian Empire. This is the concrete evidence of the grave danger they face.
"...to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her..." Hathach is instructed to show the copy of the decree to Esther and explain its meaning to her. This makes it clear that the threat is real, officially sanctioned, and imminent. Esther, as a member of the royal household, might have been shielded from the full impact of the news circulating among the Jewish community.
"...and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people." This is the central point of the verse. Hathach is to implore Esther to take a huge risk and approach the King. "To make supplication to him" and "to make request before him" means to plead for mercy and ask him to reverse the decree. Importantly, she is urged to do this specifically "for her people," revealing her Jewish identity and appealing to her sense of loyalty and responsibility towards them.
In essence, this verse describes Mordecai's attempt to:
1. Inform Esther of the dire situation: He wants her to fully understand the imminent danger faced by the Jewish people.
2. Motivate Esther to act: He is trying to convince her that she is the only one who can potentially save them from destruction.
3. Challenge Esther to use her position: He's urging her to risk her life by breaking protocol and approaching the King uninvited, hoping that he will listen to her plea.
The verse sets the stage for Esther's internal struggle and eventual decision to act, which is the core of the story of Esther. It highlights the gravity of the situation and the personal cost of intercession. It shows how Mordecai understands that Esther, despite her hidden identity and privileged position, is the last hope for the Jewish people.
Esther 4:8 - He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people.
What does "Esther 4:8" mean?
This verse, Esther 4:8, is a crucial turning point in the Book of Esther. It explains a key action taken by Mordecai in his effort to persuade Esther to intervene with the King on behalf of the Jewish people. Let's break it down:
"He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them..." Mordecai provides Hathach (a royal eunuch who served Esther) with a copy of the official edict that has been proclaimed throughout the city of Shushan (Susa). This decree, instigated by Haman, orders the complete annihilation of all Jewish people in the Persian Empire. This is the concrete evidence of the grave danger they face.
"...to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her..." Hathach is instructed to show the copy of the decree to Esther and explain its meaning to her. This makes it clear that the threat is real, officially sanctioned, and imminent. Esther, as a member of the royal household, might have been shielded from the full impact of the news circulating among the Jewish community.
"...and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people." This is the central point of the verse. Hathach is to implore Esther to take a huge risk and approach the King. "To make supplication to him" and "to make request before him" means to plead for mercy and ask him to reverse the decree. Importantly, she is urged to do this specifically "for her people," revealing her Jewish identity and appealing to her sense of loyalty and responsibility towards them.
In essence, this verse describes Mordecai's attempt to:
1. Inform Esther of the dire situation: He wants her to fully understand the imminent danger faced by the Jewish people.
2. Motivate Esther to act: He is trying to convince her that she is the only one who can potentially save them from destruction.
3. Challenge Esther to use her position: He's urging her to risk her life by breaking protocol and approaching the King uninvited, hoping that he will listen to her plea.
The verse sets the stage for Esther's internal struggle and eventual decision to act, which is the core of the story of Esther. It highlights the gravity of the situation and the personal cost of intercession. It shows how Mordecai understands that Esther, despite her hidden identity and privileged position, is the last hope for the Jewish people.