Topical Encyclopedia Mordecai, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is a Jewish man of the tribe of Benjamin who resides in the Persian city of Susa. He is most notably recognized for his role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, orchestrated by Haman, an official in the court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).Background and Character Mordecai is introduced as the cousin and guardian of Esther, whom he had raised as his own daughter after the death of her parents (Esther 2:7). His lineage is traced back to Kish, a Benjamite, establishing a connection to King Saul's family (Esther 2:5). Mordecai's character is marked by his faithfulness, wisdom, and integrity. He is a devout Jew who refuses to bow to Haman, an act of defiance that stems from his adherence to Jewish law and his awareness of Haman's Amalekite heritage, a people historically opposed to Israel (Esther 3:2-4). The Plot Against the Jews Haman, incensed by Mordecai's refusal to bow, devises a plan to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire. He manipulates King Ahasuerus into issuing a decree for their annihilation (Esther 3:5-13). Mordecai responds by mourning publicly and urging Esther to intercede with the king, despite the risk to her own life (Esther 4:1-14). His famous exhortation to Esther, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14), underscores his belief in divine providence. Mordecai's Rise to Power The turning point in Mordecai's fortunes occurs when King Ahasuerus, unable to sleep, reads the royal chronicles and discovers Mordecai's earlier act of loyalty in uncovering a plot against the king's life (Esther 6:1-3). This leads to Mordecai being honored by the king, ironically through Haman's own suggestion of royal treatment (Esther 6:6-11). Following Esther's successful appeal to the king, Haman is executed on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). Subsequently, Mordecai is promoted to Haman's former position, becoming second in rank to King Ahasuerus (Esther 8:2, 10:3). He is given the king's signet ring, symbolizing his authority to act on behalf of the king (Esther 8:2). Impact and Legacy Mordecai's promotion allows him to issue a counter-decree that enables the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:11-13). This results in a great victory for the Jewish people and the establishment of the Feast of Purim, commemorating their deliverance (Esther 9:20-22). Mordecai's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage. He is described as "great among the Jews and in high esteem with many of his fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews" (Esther 10:3). His account is a testament to God's providential care and the triumph of righteousness over evil. Nave's Topical Index Esther 8:1,2,15On 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. Nave's Topical Index Esther 10:1-3 Library Queen Esther's Love for Her People The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Resources Why doesn't the book of Esther mention God? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hadassah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about false accusations? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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