Esther 4:14

For if indeed you keep silent This remark of Mordecai’s is one of the most faithful responses in the book, yet it lacks any direct mention of God. Mordecai’s thinking seems to reflect that of Judaism in general—that God would find a way for his people to survive, no matter what (see Isaiah 10:20). Mordecai may see this relief coming from another person, another city, or God in general.

You and the family of your father will perish Mordecai could be saying that it will be too late for the Jewish people living in Susa by the time deliverance comes or that divine retribution would come to Esther for her inaction (see Numbers 14:18).

Who knows Mordecai’s remark parallels Joel 2:14, where a similar phrase occurs. In both passages, divine relief and deliverance are sought.

For a time such as this Mordecai does not assert why Esther has been appointed queen, but seems to imply that it very well could have been for a divine purpose.

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