2 But he went only as far as the king's gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.
2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth.
2 He came only as far as the King's Gate, for no one dressed in sackcloth was allowed to enter the King's Gate.
2 He went as far as the front of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
2 He went as far as the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter the palace gate while wearing clothes of mourning.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 4:2
Commentary on Esther 4:1-4
(Read Esther 4:1-4)
Mordecai avowed his relation to the Jews. Public calamities, that oppress the church of God, should affect our hearts more than any private affliction, and it is peculiarly distressing to occasion sufferings to others. God will keep those that are exposed to evil by the tenderness of their consciences.