Topical Bible: Peace: Mordecai

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Introduction

Mordecai, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is a Jewish hero whose actions and character contribute significantly to the peace and preservation of the Jewish people during their time in the Persian Empire. His account is a testament to faith, courage, and divine providence, illustrating how God can use individuals to bring about peace and deliverance for His people.

Background

Mordecai was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite (Esther 2:5-6). Mordecai had been carried into exile from Jerusalem among the captives taken with Jeconiah, king of Judah, by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

Role in the Book of Esther

Mordecai is best known for his role in the account of Esther, his cousin whom he had adopted as his own daughter after the death of her parents (Esther 2:7). Mordecai's wisdom and guidance were instrumental in Esther's rise to become queen of Persia. His refusal to bow to Haman, the king's highest official, set off a chain of events that threatened the peace and safety of the Jewish people throughout the empire (Esther 3:2-5).

Courage and Advocacy

Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman was not merely an act of defiance but a stand for his faith and identity as a Jew. This act of courage led to Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews, which was formalized through a royal decree (Esther 3:8-13). Mordecai's response was one of mourning and fasting, but he also took proactive steps by urging Esther to use her position to intercede with the king (Esther 4:1-14).

Divine Providence and Deliverance

Mordecai's faith in God's providence is evident in his famous words to Esther: "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 4:14). This statement reflects his belief that God would deliver His people, whether through Esther or by another means.

Peace and Victory

Through Esther's courageous intervention, the king was made aware of Haman's plot, and Mordecai was honored for his previous act of loyalty in uncovering a conspiracy against the king (Esther 6:1-11). Haman was executed, and Mordecai was elevated to a position of power, second only to the king (Esther 8:1-2). Mordecai's new position allowed him to issue a decree that enabled the Jews to defend themselves, leading to their victory over their enemies (Esther 8:9-17).

Legacy

Mordecai's legacy is one of peace and deliverance. His actions not only saved the Jewish people from destruction but also established the Feast of Purim, a celebration of their deliverance and God's faithfulness (Esther 9:20-22). Mordecai's account is a powerful reminder of how God can use individuals to bring about peace and justice, even in the face of great adversity.

Conclusion

Mordecai's life exemplifies the themes of faith, courage, and divine intervention. His account is a testament to the peace that can be achieved when individuals stand firm in their faith and trust in God's providence.

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Mordecai and Esther
... 'For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this ... The verse which I have selected
for my text is spoken by Mordecai to Esther, when urging her to her perilous ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/mordecai and esther.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... to petition the king that he might be punished; but at present he held his peace. ...
and said, He found a gallows at his house, prepared for Mordecai; for that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Esther's Venture
... Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt
escape ... For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/esthers venture.htm

Esther, the Queen.
... And Mordecai was next to the king and honored by his brethren the Jews as long as
he lived, for he always sought their peace, and was as a father to them. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... to destroy the Jews had gone forth, and could not be repealed, but Mordecai obtained
that ... They enjoyed quiet and peace for many years; and most of the Jews who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

Adoption
... Pharaoh's daughter, Exodus 2:20, and Esther was the adopted child of her cousin
Mordecai. ... It is peaceable, and the white lily of peace is the best flower in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... said:"Peace and truth shall be in my days; [1132] and Jesus said to His
disciples:"My peace I leave ... 20. Mordecai also was persecuted as Jesus was persecuted ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... Because Mordecai would not give Haman the cap and knee, he gets a bloody warrant
signed for the death of all the ... Humility solders Christians together in peace. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... THE NET SPREAD. ESTHER'S VENTURE. MORDECAI AND ESTHER. THE NET BROKEN. ... TWO KINDS
OF HOPE. JOB'S QUESTION, JESUS' ANSWER. KNOWLEDGE AND PEACE. WHAT LIFE MAY BE MADE ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/

"Nunc Dimittis"
... like Mordecai, ready for any errand which may be appointed him, but at length his
time of attendance expires, and the great monarch bids him depart in peace. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm