Charles Ellicott Commentary Esther 4:14

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father`s house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" — Esther 4:14 (ASV)

Enlargement. —Literally, a breathing-space.

From another place. —Although he does not explain his meaning, and indeed seems to be speaking with studied reserve, we may still suppose that Mordecai here refers to Divine help, which he asserts will be granted in this dire need. It does not necessarily follow that we are to see this declaration as proof of the earnestness of Mordecai’s faith. Probably, if his faith had been like that of many of his countrymen, he would not have been in Persia at all but with the struggling band in Judea.

Thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed. —That is, by the hand of God. Having raised you to this height of glory and power, He will require it of you if you fail in what plainly falls to you to do. It is clear there is a good deal of force in these last words of Mordecai. Esther’s rise had been so marvelous that one could well see the hand of God in it; and if so, there was clearly a very special purpose in view, which it must be her anxious concern to work for.

In the whole tone of the conversation, however, there seems to be a lack of higher and more noble feelings and an absence of any suggestion of turning to God for aid. Thus, in return, when God carries out His purpose and grants deliverance, it seems to be done indirectly, without conferring any special blessing on the human instruments.