Esther 4:1-3

Living Bible

4 When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. ² Then he stood outside the gate of the palace, for no one was permitted to enter in mourning clothes. ³ And throughout all the provinces there was great mourning among the Jews, fasting, weeping, and despair at the king’s decree; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.