Esther 4:1

When Mordecai had heard this, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth, strewing ashes on his head, and he cried out with a loud voice in the main street of the city, revealing the anguish of his soul.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

In Context

2And he continued with this lamenting, even up to the gate of the palace, for no one clothed with sackcloth is permitted to enter the king’s court.

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Cross References

Genesis 37:34And tearing his garments, he was clothed in haircloth, mourning his son for a long time.

2 Samuel 1:11Then David, taking hold of his garments, tore them, with all the men who were with him.

Esther 3:8And Haman said to king Artaxerxes, “There is a people dispersed throughout all the provinces of your kingdom and separated one from another, who make use of unusual laws and ceremonies, and who, in addition, show contempt for the king’s ordinances. And you know very well that it is not expedient for your kingdom that they should become insolent through independence.

Job 1:20Then Job got up and tore his garments, and, having shaved his head, he collapsed on the ground, and worshipped,

Job 42:6Therefore, I find myself reprehensible, and I will do penance in embers and ashes.

Isaiah 22:4For this reason, I said: “Depart from me. I will weep bitterly. Make no attempt to console me, over the devastation of the daughter of my people.”

Matthew Henry on Esther 4:1

We left God's Isaac bound upon the altar and ready to be sacrificed, and the enemies triumphing in the prospect of it; but things here begin to work towards a deliverance, and they begin at the right end. I. The Jews' friends lay to heart the danger and lament it, ver. 1-4 . II. Matters are concerted between Mordecai and Esther for the preventing of it. 1. Esther enquires into this case, and receives a particular account of it, ver. 5-7 . 2. Mordecai urges her to intercede with the king for a revocation of the… Read the whole commentary →

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