Background and Context:

Mordecai, a Jew living in the Persian Empire, is a central figure in the Book of Esther. He is the cousin and adoptive father of Esther, who becomes queen to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). The narrative unfolds during the reign of Xerxes, a time when the Jewish people are dispersed throughout the Persian Empire. Mordecai's appeal to Esther is a pivotal moment in the account, highlighting themes of providence, courage, and the responsibility of God's people to act in times of crisis.

The Plot Against the Jews:

The crisis begins when Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official in the Persian court, becomes enraged at Mordecai for refusing to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a plot to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. He casts lots (purim) to determine the date for this genocide and secures the king's approval by presenting the Jews as a threat to the kingdom. The decree is issued, and the Jewish people face imminent destruction.

Mordecai's Response:

Upon learning of the decree, Mordecai dons sackcloth and ashes, a traditional sign of mourning and repentance, and goes to the king's gate, wailing loudly. His actions draw attention, and Esther's maids inform her of his distress. Mordecai's public mourning signifies both his grief and his protest against the injustice facing his people.

The Appeal to Esther:

Mordecai sends a message to Esther, urging her to go to the king and plead for her people. Esther initially hesitates, reminding Mordecai of the law that anyone who approaches the king unsummoned risks death unless the king extends his golden scepter. Mordecai's response is both a challenge and a profound statement of faith:

“Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).

Mordecai's words emphasize the belief in divine providence and the idea that Esther's position as queen is not coincidental but part of a larger divine plan. His appeal is a call to action, urging Esther to recognize her unique opportunity and responsibility to intervene.

Esther's Decision:

Moved by Mordecai's appeal, Esther resolves to act, despite the personal risk. She instructs Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days on her behalf, while she and her maids do the same. Esther's decision to fast and seek divine favor underscores her reliance on God and her commitment to her people. She famously declares, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), demonstrating her willingness to sacrifice her own life for the salvation of her people.

Significance:

Mordecai's appeal to Esther is a turning point in the narrative, highlighting the themes of faith, courage, and divine providence. It underscores the belief that God works through individuals to accomplish His purposes, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Mordecai's faith that deliverance will come, whether through Esther or another means, reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His covenantal faithfulness to His people.