Topical Encyclopedia Mordecai, a prominent figure in the Book of Esther, is a Jewish captive living in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). He is best known for his role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, orchestrated by Haman, the king's vizier. Mordecai's account is a testament to faith, courage, and divine providence.Lineage and Position: Mordecai is introduced in Esther 2:5-6 as a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, a descendant of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. "Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem with the captives who had been exiled with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken into exile" (Esther 2:5-6). Mordecai's presence in Susa, the Persian capital, indicates his integration into the society while maintaining his Jewish identity. Guardian of Esther: Mordecai is the cousin and adoptive father of Hadassah, known as Esther, whom he raised after the death of her parents. Esther 2:7 states, "And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother died, Mordecai took her in as his own daughter" . His guardianship over Esther plays a crucial role in the unfolding events, as Esther becomes queen and is instrumental in saving her people. The Plot Against the King: Mordecai's loyalty to the king is demonstrated when he uncovers a plot to assassinate Ahasuerus. In Esther 2:21-23, Mordecai learns of the conspiracy by Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, and informs Esther, who in turn reports it to the king, crediting Mordecai. This act of loyalty is recorded in the royal chronicles, setting the stage for future recognition. Conflict with Haman: Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman, the king's newly appointed vizier, ignites a personal vendetta. Esther 3:2-4 describes Mordecai's steadfastness: "All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had commanded this. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, 'Why do you disobey the command of the king?' Day after day they spoke to him, but he refused to comply" . Mordecai's actions are rooted in his Jewish faith, which prohibits idolatry. The Edict and Mordecai's Response: Haman's anger leads to a decree to destroy all Jews in the empire. Mordecai responds with mourning and fasting, as described in Esther 4:1: "When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly" . He urges Esther to intercede with the king, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. Esther's Intervention and Mordecai's Honor: Through Esther's courageous intervention, the king is made aware of Haman's plot. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman is executed on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Subsequently, Mordecai is elevated to a position of power. Esther 8:2 records, "The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over the estate of Haman" . The Jewish Deliverance and the Feast of Purim: Mordecai's influence leads to the issuance of a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves. Esther 9:20-22 describes the establishment of the Feast of Purim, commemorating the deliverance: "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration" . Legacy: Mordecai's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage. Esther 10:3 summarizes his impact: "For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews" . His life exemplifies the providential care of God for His people, even in foreign lands. Nave's Topical Index Esther 2:5,6Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; Nave's Topical Index Library Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Book 11 Footnotes The Later Hebrew Histories. Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. The Historical Books. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Greater Prophets. The Bible Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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