Esther 4

 (1) Mordecai has protected the identity of Esther for so long, but now he did not concealed it any more. At least, Hathach knew about that.

v.8b 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 to Esther.

Why? The whole race was in danger and they needed to be protected. Compare with the safety of Esther the safety of the whole race became more important now.

(2) 4:11 “All the servants of the king and the people of the king’s provinces know that there is only one law applicable 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.

What did Esther reply imply? She did not want to risk her life to save the Jews. That was exactly what Mordecai accused her.

4:14 “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish.

(BKC) Mordecai reminded Esther that if she did not attempt to avert this terrible calamity she would surely die, even though she was a member of the royal household. Whether Haman’s power was great enough to reach to the palace and execute the queen is not stated. Mordecai simply planted the idea in Esther’s mind that she would die if she did not act. Therefore death by order of the king for entering into his presence would be no worse than waiting and meeting death at the hands of Haman.

v.14b "protection for the Jews will appear from another source"

(NET ) This is probably an oblique reference to help coming from God

Mordecai was a man of faith, and he believed that even they were captives because of their sins God did not abandon them. God would still protect them because of His covenant with Abraham. 

(3)  v.14c It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!”

Esther was afraid of death. Mordecai encouraged her to think about God. It seems that he implied that God was the one who put her in such position. 

Reflection: When you are afraid what can other people say to encourage you? Seeing the hands of God behind your situation might give you courage. He is sovereign and why are we still be afraid.

Audrey