But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.
Here we have an account of the general sorrow that there was among the Jews upon the publishing of Haman's bloody edict against them. It was a sad time with the church. 1. Mordecai cried bitterly, rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth, Est 4:1, Est 4:2.
Commenting on Esther 4:1-4
And came even before the king's gate,.... Or court, that Esther might if possible be made acquainted with this dreadful calamity coming upon her people: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth: or appear in such a dress at court, where nothing was admitted to damp the pleasures of it.
And came even before the king's gate: for none [might] enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. (a) Because he would inform Esther of this cruel proclamation.