Mardocheus
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Mardocheus, more commonly known as Mordecai, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Esther. He is a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin and is best known for his role in the account of Esther, where he serves as a guardian and advisor to his cousin, Esther, who becomes queen of Persia. Mardocheus is celebrated for his faithfulness to God, his wisdom, and his courage in the face of adversity.

Genealogy and Background

Mardocheus is introduced in Esther 2:5-7, where it is noted that he is the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. This lineage connects him to King Saul, Israel's first king, who was also a Benjamite. Mardocheus was living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), having been among those exiled from Jerusalem with Jeconiah, king of Judah, by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

Role in the Book of Esther

Mardocheus is a central character in the narrative of Esther. After the death of Esther's parents, Mardocheus adopts her as his own daughter. His care and guidance are instrumental in Esther's rise to become queen. Mardocheus's loyalty to the king is demonstrated when he uncovers a plot to assassinate King Ahasuerus, as recorded in Esther 2:21-23. His actions are recorded in the royal chronicles, which later play a crucial role in the account.

The most notable aspect of Mardocheus's account is his conflict with Haman, an Amalekite and a high-ranking official in the Persian court. Haman's animosity towards Mardocheus arises because Mardocheus refuses to bow to him, as described in Esther 3:2. This refusal is rooted in Mardocheus's adherence to Jewish law, which prohibits bowing to anyone but God. Haman's wrath leads him to plot the destruction of all Jews in the Persian Empire, resulting in the issuance of a royal decree for their annihilation.

Courage and Deliverance

Mardocheus's response to the impending genocide is marked by fasting, mourning, and seeking divine intervention. He communicates with Esther, urging her to use her position to intercede with the king. His famous exhortation to Esther is found in Esther 4:14 : "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?"

Through Esther's bravery and Mardocheus's guidance, the plot is thwarted. Haman is executed, and Mardocheus is elevated to a position of power, second only to King Ahasuerus. The king's edict is reversed, allowing the Jews to defend themselves, leading to their deliverance and the establishment of the Feast of Purim, a celebration of this divine intervention and victory.

Legacy

Mardocheus's legacy is one of faith, courage, and divine providence. His account is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, even in exile. Mardocheus's actions and character exemplify the virtues of loyalty, wisdom, and steadfastness in the face of persecution. His life and the events of the Book of Esther continue to be commemorated by Jews during the annual festival of Purim, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MARDOCHEUS

mar-do-ke'-us (Mardochaios):

(1) One of the Jewish leaders who accompanied Zerubbabel on the return from Babylon to Judah (1 Esdras 5:8, where it stands for "Mordecai" of Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7).

(2) Another form of Mordecai, the uncle of Esther (Additions to Esther 10:4; 11:2, 12; 12:1, 4;; 16:13).

Library

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... profane names of Castor and Pollux, Acts 28:11; and Christians of Fortunatus, 1
Corinthians 16:17; Mercurius, [65] Romans 16:14; and Jews of Mardocheus' day, 2 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm

Thesaurus
Mardocheus
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MARDOCHEUS. mar-do-ke'-us (Mardochaios):
(1) One of the Jewish leaders who accompanied Zerubbabel ...
/m/mardocheus.htm - 6k

Gabatha
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GABATHA. gab'-a-tha (Gabatha):
A eunuch of Mardocheus (Additions to Esther 10:1). ...
/g/gabatha.htm - 6k

Marduk (1 Occurrence)

/m/marduk.htm - 6k

Marcus (3 Occurrences)

/m/marcus.htm - 7k

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