Esther 4:14

Enlargement. Literally, “respite” or “relief,” from the same root as the word for “breath.” Mordecai affirms trust in God’s gracious promises and conviction that Hainan’s purposes will be frustrated. He does not know how, but is convinced that in one way or another deliverance will come.

Thy father’s house. If Esther thought only of saving her own life, she would lose it (see Matt. 10:39). Unwillingness to die implied the certainty of death; life was to be purchased at the price of willingness to lose it. Mordecai’s reference to extinction of Esther’s family line implies that she was her father’s only child. The fact that Esther’s cousin Mordecai became her foster father supports this implication. Had Esther had an older brother or sister, Mordecai would not have needed to adopt her. Mordecai seems to have been Esther’s only near, living relative.

Come to the kingdom. Mordecai perceived the outworking of Divine Providence. Perhaps no more dramatic challenge to courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice ever confronted a representative of the kingdom of heaven. But the challenge to us today is no less imperative and no less real.