The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews, Est_4:1-3. He showeth Esther the cause of it, and adviseth her to petition the king for her people, Est_4:4-9. She, excusing herself, is threatened by Mordecai, Est_4:10-14. She appoints a general fast, and resolves to go in to the king, Est_4:15-17.
Partly, to express his deep sense of the mischief coming upon his people; partly, to move the pity of others to do what they could to prevent it; and partly, that by this means it might come to the queen’s ear.