And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. Problem: Romans 13:1 informs us that even pagan governments are “appointed by God,” and Peter adds, “submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13; cf. And when we draw near under his divine operations, we feel the blessedness of so doing. Your search for “” did not return any results. What wonderful reassurance we have in Christ Jesus our Lord, for He is our Great High Priest, and heavenly Mediator. Will fast likewise; which may belong, either. If I perish, I perish - If I lose my life in this attempt to save my people, I shall lose it cheerfully. Abstain from all set meals, and all pleasant food, and, as much as possible, from all food, for that space of time, in token of humiliation for sin, and a sense of our unworthiness of God’s mercies. Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help. Esther 4:16 CSB These are the brave and determined words of a heroine. Esther is t… He is omniscient, but He is also filled with compassion and great goodness. Esther 4:1. How with the woman with the issue of blood? This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions. Principal Message, Literal Meaning, Share … Esther‘s fast could have no object but to obtain God‘s favor and protection in the dangerous course on which she was about to enter. The Jerusalem Talmud says "a day and night together make up a nulctke-meron, and that any part of such period is counted as a whole". In other words, Esther acts reluctantly, and in large measure, in self-interest. Esther’s maids must fast and pray, or they are no maids for her. Let the infants be kept from the breast during the night, and let no food be given to the oxen and other animals, while I and my maids shall fast," &c. Then at the end of this chapter, in the Septuagint, follow the prayers of Mardochai and of Esther, (chap. They might take some refreshment in the evening, (Lyranus) of dried meats. IT WAS A TIME OF NATIONAL PERIL. And neither eat nor drink three days, &c. "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. An irreversible edict to kill all Jews had been sent out. 2. Others say, that in those hot countries they might fast three days as well as we two in these cold climates. ", To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law, so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law. The Turks likewise at this day precisely observe their fasts, and will not so much as taste a cup of water, or wash their mouths with water, all the day long, before the stars appear in the sky, be the days never so long and hot. Mordecai refuses to give him the honour he demands, Esther 3:2-4. Abstinence meriteth not, saith a grave divine (Dr Hall), for religion consisteth not in the belly, either full or empty; (What are meats or drinks to the kingdom of God, which is, like himself, spiritual?) 8., and chap. Adopt an attitude of prayer as you go about your daily duties at home, at work or at school. The Hollanders and French fast, but had need, saith one, to send for those mourning women, Jeremiah 9:17, by their cunning to teach them to mourn. He is both the omnipotent God and our merciful Saviour. Neither eat nor drink, to wit, so as you use to do, either deliciously or plentifully. Esther 4:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." Currat ergo poenitentia, ne praecurrat sententia; and let our fasts be either from morning till evening, 20:26, 2 Samuel 3:35, or from evening till evening, Leviticus 23:32, or longer, as here, and Acts 9:9, as the hand and wrath of God doth more or less threaten us, or lie upon us. What does this verse really mean? Esther Fast Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours for 3 days. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16 NIV).Esther was willing to die to save her people. Esther's fast could have no object but to obtain God's favor and protection in the dangerous course on which she was about to enter. (Calmet). 1 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. Revelation 9:13, the prayers of the saints from the four corners of the earth sound, and do great things in the world, they make it ring. 2 But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. 21. Esther 4:16. IV. III. This is referenced in Esther 4:16. Esther said, “ I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days ” – meaning she had not seen her husband for an entire month. Purim is preceded by the fast of Esther, a one-day fast to commemorate the three-day fast (recorded in 4:16). Liberty is given, access, holy freedom, a spirit of prayer, power to take hold of God, to wrestle for the blessing, and sometimes to agonize with earnest sighs and groans and the energy of one of old—"I will not let you go except you bless me. Which is not according to the law; which is against the law now mentioned. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. Learning from Esther. Esther 4:16, CSB: ""Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. The English are not sick soon enough, saith another, and they are well too soon: this is true of their minds as well as of their bodies. 2. I also and my maidens; which she had chosen to attend upon her person, and were doubtless either of the Jewish nation, or proselyted by hers or others’ means to that religion. Yet after two nights and one full day were elapsed, Esther ventured to go to the king, chap. And so the like phrase is taken Acts 27:33, where he saith, This is the fourteenth day that ye have continued fasting, having taking nothing. so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law — The appeal of Mordecai was irresistible. Fast ye, and pray; which was the main business, to which fasting was only a help and a handmaid. So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law. Pur is the Persian name of the lots Haman had used. He might forever have lain helpless upon his bed, had he not been brought into the presence of Jesus. Esther would have ruined herself and all her nation had she given way to the weakness of the flesh; but she said, "I will go in unto the king; and if I perish, I perish." Esther was so courageous that she said, “And so I will go to the king, who is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). Go, gather together all the Jews] Great is the power of joint prayer, it stirs heaven, and works wonders. Are we never to press through the crowd? And fast ye for me] Who am now upon my life, and, for aught I know, am shortly to appear before the Lord (who requireth to be sanctified in all them that draw near unto him), and wherein I may not look to have leave to err twice, Non licet in belle bis errare. Again the religious element shows itself. (2) Esther’s words, “If I perish, I perish,” are far from an affirmation of faith; they are, instead, a declaration of fatalism. Matthew 12:40. 899. so the Targum, Sept. "et tune", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus; "tum", Tigurine version. ", John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible, Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged, Commentary by J.C.Philpot on select texts of the Bible. Some think possibly Mordecai (9:29). And if I perish, I perish. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. Shall we merely walk round Zion"s walls and tarry at her doors, or shall we venture into the holiest itself? But unlike those books, Esther lacks overtly pious characters and does not model a religious lifestyle. “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one … Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. And fast ye for me — And pray, which was the main business, to which fasting was only a help; and neither eat nor drink three days — Namely, in such a manner as you used to do. KJ21 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me; and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. As a Diaspora story–a story about, and presumably for, Jews in the Diaspora during the Persian period–it provides an optimistic picture of Jewish survival and success in a foreign land. It is interesting that a Jewish holiday would start with a … Leave off your common meals, dinners by day, and suppers at night, and eat and drink no more than mere necessity requires; that so you may give yourselves to constant and fervent prayers, for which your ordinary repasts will unfit you. “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one … I know it not. Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which, I also and my maidens will fast likewise —, This is the fourteenth day that ye have continued fasting, neither eat nor drink three days, night or day, I also and my maidens will fast in like manner, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. She must, however, have depended much on the efficacy of the humiliations she prescribed. And if I perish, I perish] This she speaketh not rashly or desperately, as prodigal of her life, but as sacrificing the same to God and his cause, through the obedience of faith, and saying, as that martyr, Can I die but once for Christ? For it is not likely that she would impose the burden of absolute fasting so long upon all the Jews, which very few of them were able to endure. Or rather. v. 1. The Apostle encourages us to come with holy boldness to the throne of grace, and to venture into the presence of the King of kings. And fast ye for me — And pray, which was the main business, to which fasting was only a help; and neither eat nor drink three days — Namely, in such a manner as you used to do. 16.Fast ye’ three days — The perilous enterprise, in which she would be so liable to perish, was not to be undertaken without much fasting and prayer. https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-historical-books/esther Maidens — Which she had chosen to attend upon her person, and were doubtless either of the Jewish nation, or Proselytes. And put on sackcloth with ashes — That is, he put on a garment of sackcloth or hair, and sprinkled ashes upon his head. See the like expression, Matthew 12:40. Esther 4:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16 NIV).Esther was willing to die to save her people. Compare 1 Samuel 30:12, 1 Samuel 30:13. Now the Holy Spirit not only in the word of truth, encourages, but he himself from time to time enables us to draw near. xiv. I see it is my duty to make the attempt; and, come what will, I am resolved to do it. Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Which is not, … — Which may belong, either1. And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. Lesson #3: We must stand with courage “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. Esther 4:15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Courage – Esther 4:16. In the narrative, Ahasuerus seeks a new wife after his queen, Vashti, refuses to obey him, and Esther is chosen for her beauty.The king's chief adviser, Haman, is offended by Esther's cousin and guardian, Mordecai, and gets permission from the king to have all the Jews in the kingdom killed. For the fast began at evening, and so she might continue her fast three whole nights, and two whole days, and the greatest part of the third; a part of a day being reputed a day in the account of scripture, and other authors: of which see on Matthew 12:40. She went in with that resolution. (d) I will put my life in danger and refer the success to God, seeing it is for his glory and the deliverance of his Church. Esther 4:16, NLT: "'Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. By God’s grace she chose right, saying that she would go through it and play her assigned role, and if she should perish, “then she would perish” (Ester 4:16). Esther 4:16 - Gaan heen, versamel al die Jode wat in Susan te vinde is, en vas julle om my ontwil; en julle moet nie eet en drink nie, drie dae lank, nag en dag; ek ook met my dienaresse sal net so vas; en so sal ek na die koning ingaan, wat nie volgens wet is nie, en as ek omkom, dan kom ek om. The Fear of Esther (Esther 4:11) Esther 4:11. IV. She could not suppose there was any charm in fasting, sackcloth garments, and lying on the ground. How was it with the man who was paralyzed for so many years? It may be half an hour or one hour or more. (1-4) Esther undertakes to plead for the Jews. Lesson #3: We must stand with courage “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. 1. The king responds favorably and the Jewish people are saved (Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-2). xiii. ", "I will go in unto the king; and if I perish, I perish. No. it filleth the ears of God, so that God heareth nothing else. Esther 4:17 >> American Standard Version Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. I also and my maidens will fast likewise — They were, doubtless, either of the Jewish nation or proselytes, and pious persons, who, she knew, would sincerely join with her in these holy duties. (13-14) Mordecai’s second request. It is good so to diet the body, that the soul may be fattened. In this it resembles other Diaspora stories such as the biblical Book of Daniel (chapters 1-6) and the apocryphal books of Judith and Tobit. But are we ever to give heed to these enemies of our soul"s peace? Hebrews 4:16(NASB) Verse Thoughts. ... Hebrews 4:16(NASB) Verse Thoughts. (Josephus) (Grotius) --- Few constitutions could have done without any thing. Esther 4:16 I believe God is calling upon the Body of the Christ for a time of consecration over the next three months. When we are in darkness, under distress of conscience, or when guilt lies hard and heavy upon the soul, these things do, and must until removed, keep us back from the Lord. when they, and she and her maids, had fasted and prayed so long, then she was determined in the strength of the Lord to go into the king's presence with her petition, though it was contrary to law: and if I perish, I perish; signifying, that she readily and cheerfully risked her life for the good of her people; and if such was the pleasure of God, that she should lose it, she was content, and acquiesced in his will, leaving herself entirely in his hands, to dispose of her as he thought fit. Esther is described in all versions of the Book of Esther as the Jewish queen of a Persian king Ahasuerus. ; Haydock) which is their proper place. And if I perish, I perish — Although my danger be great and evident, considering the expressness of that law, the uncertainty of the king’s mind, and that severity which he showed to my predecessor Vashti; yet, rather than neglect my duty to God and to his people, I will go to the king, and cast myself cheerfully and resolutely upon God’s providence for my safety and success. Feasting and gift-giving are part of the ceremony, as is dressing in masks or costumes. Point, therefore, your prayers for me with holy fastings, that they may pierce heaven and prevail. 4:15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Indeed she was warned - if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place.. but at what a cost. Esther 4:16 —Didn’t Esther disobey human government which God had ordained?. Verses 1-4. Shall we, driven out by fear, act like Cain, and go out from the presence of the Lord? Have it? Esther had a great deal of courage – she was willing to ultimately die for her people. Esther 4:9-11 Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. Don't eat or drink for three days, night or day. Breaking Down the Key Parts of Esther 4:14 Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14), or that Esther ever said “After that [the fast on her behalf] I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) Most of us, however, seem to have learned that along the way nevertheless. Mordecai presses her to venture (v. 13, v. 14). Haman, for his sake, vows to be revenged upon all the Jews, Esther 3:5,6. It is probable that she had surrounded herself with Jewish maidens, or women who were proselytes to that religion. Use this table to get a … So with us. Shall we ever dwell in the outskirts—in the outer court of the temple? 9:, 112). My maids and I will do the same. Esther 4:16. Indeed Esther herself was given such a warning that if she acted selfishly and tried to save her own skin, because of her royal status.. her wealth, power and position would hold no security for her. Fast — And pray; so as you use to do, leave off your common dinners by day, and suppers at night, and eat and drink no more than mere necessity requires; that so you may give yourselves to constant and fervent prayers. What a wonderful example for everyone to follow. The old Vulgate has, "publish a fast, and tell the ancients to fast. The king held forth the scepter; Esther touched it, and she and the people were saved. Esther 4:16 . I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. Suggestions: Make sure all words are spelled correctly; Try using a different type of information And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish. But she had to humbly ask and obtain the king's sanction; and an intrusion into the royal presence was liable to be punished as a capital crime, unless the king extended the royal sceptre as a token of royal favour. — Esther 4:16. I also and my maidens. Which is not according to the law — Namely, the king’s law, now mentioned, but it is according to God’s law, and therefore whatever comes of it, I will venture, and not count my life dear to myself, so I may serve God and his church. Her bravery and faith in God are a testament to the trust this young woman had in the living God. Public calamities, that oppress the church of God, should affect our hearts more than any private affliction, and it is peculiarly distressing to occasion sufferings to others. I … and my maidens—It is probable that she had surrounded herself with Jewish maidens, or women who were proselytes to that religion. 899. so the Targum, και τοτε, Sept. "et tune", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus; "tum", Tigurine version. Esther 4:15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: Esther 4:17 So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him. Esther 4:16. Ver. I also and my maidens will fast likewise. Some have suggested Ezra or Nehemiah because of the similarity of the writing style. In Sermon Series: "Esther 4:16-17" showing 1-20 of 30 Filter Results Sort By Close Filters Scripture . Fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days - What a strange thing, that still we hear nothing of prayer, nor of God! I also and my maidens will fast likewise; in the same manner and as long; these maids of honour were either proselytes, perhaps of her making, or Jewish ladies, she being allowed by the king to choose whom she pleased: and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; or "afterwards", or "and then"F4ובכן "et postea", Noldius, p. 198. Shall we ever keep away through guilt, and sin, and shame? Deliverance comes through claiming her faith publicly. three days, night or day. 2. Esther had a great deal of courage – she was willing to ultimately die for her people. I. Haman is made the king's favourite, Esther 3:1. Night or day — Sometimes fasting was observed for many days, but intermitted at night. Hebrew, "fast." So in grace. He is both the omnipotent God and our merciful Saviour. Or shall we, with all our sins and discouragements, still draw near? Abstain from all set meals, and all pleasant food, and, as much as possible, from all food, for that space of time, in token of humiliation for sin, and a sense of our unworthiness of God’s mercies. Tully in one of his epistles telleth us, that he fasted two days together, without so much as tasting a little water. See the like phrase, Genesis 43:14, {See Trapp on "Genesis 43:14"} Better do worthily, and perish for a kingdom, than unworthily, and perish with a kingdom. To the time of three days and three nights; for so she might do, though she went to the king on the third day. to the thing only, that as they did fast, so she would. "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. He, upon a malicious suggestion, obtains an order from the king to have the all massacred upon a certain day, Esther … ", "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” I. No. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. She takes the risk to speak up for her people, even though it could mean her own death. The Spirit grieved and now quenched . What is the ground on which we can account for this total silence? He is omniscient, but He is … Esther was written for the purpose to demonstrate God’s sovereignty and his loving care for his people. and fast ye for me; that is, pray for her, that she might have courage to go in to the king, and meet with success; for prayer was the principal thing, fasting only an accessory to it, and as fitting for it, and expressive of affliction and humiliation of soul: and neither eat nor drink three days, night nor day; it was to be a continued fast unto the third day; as Aben Ezra interprets it, they were not to eat at evening, but fast two whole days, and two whole nights, until the third day came, on which Esther went in to the king, Esther 5:1. Having appointed a solemn fast of three days, she expressed her firm resolution to make an appeal to the king, though she should perish in the attempt. Wesley's Esther 4:16 Bible Commentary 4:16 Fast — And pray; so as you use to do, leave off your common dinners by day, and suppers at night, and eat and drink no more than mere necessity requires; that so you may give yourselves to constant and fervent prayers. (10) Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, (11) All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. There is an old Canon that defineth their continuance, till stars appear in the sky, Usque dum stellae in caelo appareant. What Does Hebrews 4:16 Mean? they will have it: Caelum tundimus, preces fundimus, misericordiam extorquemus, said those primitive prayer-makers.