Topical Bible: Civil Minister: Mordecai

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mordecai, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known for his role in the Book of Esther. He was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, residing in the Persian capital of Susa during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Mordecai's account is integral to the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

Lineage and Early Life

Mordecai was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite (Esther 2:5). This lineage connects him to King Saul, Israel's first king, highlighting his noble heritage. Mordecai was among the Jews who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, along with Jeconiah, king of Judah (Esther 2:6).

Guardian of Esther

Mordecai is perhaps most famously known as the cousin and adoptive father of Esther, also known as Hadassah. After the death of her parents, Mordecai took Esther as his own daughter (Esther 2:7). His guidance and wisdom were instrumental in Esther's rise to become queen of Persia.

Role in the Persian Court

Mordecai's position in the Persian court is not explicitly detailed, but he is often found at the king's gate, suggesting a role of some significance (Esther 2:19, 2:21). His presence at the gate allowed him to overhear a plot against King Xerxes, which he reported to Esther, who in turn informed the king, crediting Mordecai (Esther 2:22). This act of loyalty was recorded in the royal chronicles, setting the stage for future events.

Conflict with Haman

Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman, the king's highest official, sparked a significant conflict. Mordecai's steadfastness was rooted in his Jewish faith, which prohibited idolatry (Esther 3:2-4). Haman, filled with rage, sought to destroy not only Mordecai but all Jews throughout the kingdom (Esther 3:5-6).

Intervention and Deliverance

Mordecai's appeal to Esther to intervene with the king was pivotal. He famously challenged her with the words, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Esther's subsequent bravery in approaching the king without being summoned led to a series of events that exposed Haman's plot and resulted in his downfall.

Elevation and Legacy

Following Haman's execution, Mordecai was elevated to a position of great authority, becoming second in rank to King Xerxes (Esther 10:3). He was clothed in royal garments and given the king's signet ring, symbolizing his power and influence (Esther 8:2, 8:15). Mordecai's leadership and wisdom were instrumental in securing a decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:11).

Mordecai's legacy is celebrated during Purim, a festival that marks the Jewish people's deliverance from destruction. His account is a testament to faith, courage, and divine providence, illustrating how God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes in history.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 10:3
For Mordecai the Jew was next to king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brothers, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
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Esther 8:1
On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was to her.
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Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
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Library

The Life of Mr. Alexander Henderson.
... to do, having been near eighteen years minister there."He ... Some are exalted like Haman,
some like Mordecai, &c. ... yea, the anonymous author of the civil wars of ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... such a crimson-dye, that a gospel minister would not ... with us, in respect to our civil
and ecclesiastical ... by a cruel and ambitious Haman, "Mordecai sent letters ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... also arranged for the appointment of civil officers to ... had enjoyed the fullest liberty
to minister to the ... the troublous times of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

Man's Chief End
... to bring his servants to Christ; when a minister spends himself ... an eye to God in
all our civil and natural ... and dignity has been done to Mordecai?' What honour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

The Historical Books.
... this depended their right to minister in holy ... Nehemiah, as the Tirshatha, or civil
governor, simply ... the establishment, under the auspices of Mordecai and Esther ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... of truth, as they are outwardly in civil and temporal ... I do not believe they should
minister to God in ... her brethren; No, not to her uncle, Mordecai, to consult ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... Anderson, Enoch Johnson, Richard McAllister, Mordecai Barry, Louis R ... and was eminently
useful as a minister of Jesus ... and integrity, that often civil suits were ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... ages and from a very different civil and social ... shall submit themselves to Jehovah,
and shall minister to the ... he omits others, as Ezra and Mordecai (the twelve ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:"and so ... to be ministered unto, but
to minister." Can you ... to any human power, whether civil or ecclesiastical ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm