Guiding Questions: Esther 4

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Esther 4:1 implies that Mordecai knew more than the written decree about what had occurred between Ahasuerus and Haman. What knowledge could he have had that others did not have (see Esther 4:7)?
  2. What are the signs of grief portrayed in Esther 4:1? Are these deeply religious acts or conventional modes of expressing grief? If they are religious acts what aspects of religion appear to be missing?
  3. What element of grief is added in Esther 4:3? What element is still missing? Certainly there were Jews who “fasted” and prayed and those who “cried out” to God. Are these deliberate omissions (see also Esther 4:14 and Esther 4:16? If so, why?
  4. Why was Esther’s first reaction (Esther 4:4) to send clothes for Mordecai (see Esther 4:2)? Was she shocked at learning how Mordecai was dressed or had she learned of the entire catastrophe? Though no reason is given, why do you think Mordecai refused the clothes?
  5. In reporting to Hatach the message to be delivered to Esther (Esther 4:7), why does Mordecai emphasize the detail of the huge bribe (bakshish) that Haman offered the king? What was he highlighting about the characters of Haman and Ahasuerus?
  6. Mordecai’s command to Esther to plead before the king includes the phrase “for her people” (Esther 4:8). Is he contradicting his original command (Esther 2:10)? How might such a revelation affect Esther’s status as queen?
  7. How does Esther respond to Mordecai’s demand (Esther 4:11)? Is she fearful for her life? Is she concerned that she may have lost the king’s favor? Does she want to delay action in order to find a better approach (the pogrom is still 11 months away — Esther 3:7)?
  8. Mordecai’s rebuke to Esther (Esther 4:13-14) is sharp and angry. What two points does he make regarding Esther herself? What does he mean by “another place” (God, another person, political help)? Why all this vagueness?
  9. How does Esther react to Mordecai’s rebuke and challenge (Esther 4:16)? What is her one request to all the Jews? What one item is missing in her request (see question 3 above)? What is now revealed about her personality with the phrase “if I perish, I perish”?

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    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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