In the biblical narrative of Esther, Mordecai's tactful decision to conceal Esther's Jewish identity is a significant demonstration of wisdom and strategic foresight. This decision is pivotal in the unfolding events that lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people from a genocidal plot.

Mordecai, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, was living in Susa, the Persian capital, during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). He had raised his cousin Esther as his own daughter after the death of her parents. When Esther was taken to the king's palace as a candidate for queen, Mordecai instructed her not to reveal her nationality or family background. Esther 2:10 states, "Esther had not revealed her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so."

Mordecai's decision to keep Esther's Jewish identity a secret was a tactical move in a complex and potentially hostile environment. The Persian Empire was vast and diverse, yet it was also a place where ethnic and religious tensions could arise. By advising Esther to conceal her heritage, Mordecai was protecting her from possible prejudice or discrimination that could jeopardize her position and influence.

This act of discretion is further highlighted when Esther becomes queen. Her concealed identity allows her to navigate the royal court without the immediate burden of ethnic bias. Mordecai's wisdom in this matter is underscored by the subsequent events, where Esther's position as queen becomes crucial in saving the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them.

Mordecai's tact is not merely a matter of secrecy but a strategic withholding of information until the appropriate time. This is evident when Esther finally reveals her identity to the king, a revelation that is carefully timed to maximize its impact and ensure the safety of her people. Esther 7:3-4 records Esther's plea to the king: "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and my people as my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated."

Mordecai's initial counsel to Esther to conceal her nationality is a testament to his understanding of the political and social dynamics of the Persian court. His tactful approach exemplifies a prudent and discerning spirit, qualities that are commended throughout Scripture. Proverbs 2:11 states, "Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you."

In summary, Mordecai's tact in advising Esther to conceal her Jewish identity until the right moment was a strategic decision that played a crucial role in the preservation of the Jewish people. His actions reflect a deep understanding of the importance of timing, discretion, and the wise use of information in navigating complex situations.Esther 2:10
Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it.
Nave's Topical Index

What does the Bible say about self-defense? | GotQuestions.org

Are men and women equal in God's eyes? | GotQuestions.org

Dealing with negative people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

Tact: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus