He went only as far as the King’s Gate,(A) since the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King’s Gate. There was great mourning among the Jewish people in every province where the king’s command and edict(B) reached. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.(C)

Esther’s female servants and her eunuchs came and reported the news to her, and the queen was overcome with fear.(D) She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear so that he would take off his sackcloth, but he did not accept them.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Baker Illustrated Study Bible - eBook
CSB Baker Illustrated Study Bible - eBook
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $10.00 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The CSB Study Bible for Women, Teal Flowers LeatherTouch
The CSB Study Bible for Women, Teal Flowers LeatherTouch
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $30.99
Save: $29.00 (48%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Firefighter's Bible, Burgundy LeatherTouch
CSB Firefighter's Bible, Burgundy LeatherTouch
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Gift & Award Bible--imitation leather, black
CSB Gift & Award Bible--imitation leather, black
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.29
Save: $1.70 (21%)
CSB Military Bible, Burgundy LeatherTouch for Marines
CSB Military Bible, Burgundy LeatherTouch for Marines
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Study Bible, Mahogany LeatherTouch, Thumb-Indexed
CSB Study Bible, Mahogany LeatherTouch, Thumb-Indexed
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $58.99
Save: $21.00 (26%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars