KJV ORIGINAL
And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
He went as far as the king's gate, but he couldn't go any further because no one was allowed to enter the king's gate while wearing sackcloth.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse shows that Mordecai's grief and mourning had to stop at the palace gates because Persian court rules forbade anyone in mourning clothes from entering the king's presence.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Persia, strict protocol governed who could approach the king and how they must be dressed. Sackcloth was rough fabric worn during times of mourning, fasting, or distress. Mordecai was mourning because Haman had just issued a decree to destroy all Jews throughout the Persian Empire.
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