What is "Devar ha'Melech v'Daso"?
Rashi: Where the Sheluchim carrying the letters pass, the edict was given in the city.
Vilna Gaon: Devar ha'Melech is the letter itself sent to the Achashdarpanim and Pachos. Those who had Jewish friends, they revealed it to them immediately. V'Daso is what was revealed to all the nations.
Malbim: It is what was written in the sealed letters. Refer to 4:3:2:2.
Only 'to be ready for Adar 13' was "revealed to all the nations" (3:14). Why were the Jews mourning?
Vilna Gaon: Refer to 4:3:1:2.
Malbim: Mordechai publicized the matter in all of Shushan, and from there it spread via word of mouth. Without this, it was not known from the letters, for they were sealed.
Why does it say "Evel Gadol la'Yehudim"?
Vilna Gaon: It was like Aveilus over a Mes, for they saw 1 the king's decree immediately.
Perhaps this is seeing of the heart, i.e. understanding. (PF)
What is the significance of mourning, fasting, crying, eulogies, and sackcloth and ashes?
Vilna Gaon: These are the five ways of [arousing] Teshuvah, like it says in Ta'anis 1 .
Magihah in Perush ha'Gra ha'Shalem: They are in Ta'anis, but not in one place.
Why does it say "Yutza la'Rabim"?
Vilna Gaon: Sackcloth and ashes are not for everyone; they are only for Rabim (leaders of the nation). Yutza implies via others - others put [ashes] on the Nasi's head (Ta'anis 15a).
