Mordecai responds to Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews with sackcloth and ashes. Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.[1] Sackcloth was a burlap-like fabric made from black goat’s hair. Ashes represented desolation and ruin. In the time of Mordecai, people wore these in times of grief, distress, and desperation.
Wearing sackcloth and ashes was a physical way to demonstrate inner emotions. We can still show our feelings by what we wear. When we watch the big game, we often wear our team jersey so everyone knows who we are rooting for. Or, when we feel like taking it easy, we put on our sweats.
Prayer Often Accompanied the Wearing of Sackcloth
The book of Esther never mentions prayer, but scripturally, prayer usually accompanied the wearing of sackcloth and ashes. There are three main types of prayer associated with the wearing of sackcloth:
A prayer of grief. Genesis 37:34 Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap. He mourned deeply for his son for a long time.[2]
A prayer of repentance: Jonah 3: 8 People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence.[3]
A prayer of supplication or a cry for help: Daniel 9: 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes… 18 O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. [4]
A Public Demonstration
When he heard about the decree to destroy the Jews, Mordecai did not pretend everything was fine. He didn’t worry about what others thought but wore clothing that would draw attention to an injustice. By wearing sackcloth and ashes, Mordecai let everyone know he was a Jew. He humbled himself in contrast to the pride of Xerxes or the manipulation of Haman. I think the Jews were probably praying all three types of prayer mentioned above because it was a desperate time.
We still need to stand up for truth and justice even when others may make fun of us. Prayer needs to be the foundation of all our actions. Philippians 4: 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [5]
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/for-such-a-time
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.