Topical Bible: Esther: Niece of Mordecai

◄ Esther: Niece of Mordecai ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Esther, a central figure in the biblical Book of Esther, is a Jewish heroine whose account is celebrated during the festival of Purim. She is introduced as the niece and adopted daughter of Mordecai, a Jew living in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Esther's Hebrew name is Hadassah, which means "myrtle," but she is known by her Persian name, Esther, which is derived from the word for "star."

Background and Rise to Queenship

Esther's account unfolds in the Persian capital of Susa. After Queen Vashti is deposed for her refusal to appear before King Ahasuerus, a search is conducted to find a new queen. Esther, noted for her beauty and grace, is taken to the king's palace as part of this search. Mordecai, who had raised her after the death of her parents, advises her to conceal her Jewish identity. Esther 2:7 states, "Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she had neither father nor mother."

Esther finds favor with the king and is chosen to be queen. Her elevation to this position is seen as providential, setting the stage for her role in the deliverance of the Jewish people.

The Threat to the Jewish People

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the rise of Haman, an Agagite, to a position of power in the king's court. Haman harbors a deep animosity towards Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a plot to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. He casts lots, or "purim," to determine the date for this genocide and secures the king's approval by presenting the Jews as a threat to the kingdom.

Mordecai learns of the plot and implores Esther to intervene. He sends a message to her, urging her to use her influence with the king. Esther 4:14 records Mordecai's famous words: "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's Courageous Intervention

In a display of courage and faith, Esther agrees to approach the king, even though doing so uninvited could result in her death. She requests that all the Jews in Susa fast for three days on her behalf. Esther 4:16 captures her resolve: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

Esther's bravery is rewarded when the king extends his scepter to her, allowing her to present her request. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet, where she reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, orders Haman to be executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

The Deliverance of the Jews

Following Haman's downfall, Esther and Mordecai are granted the authority to issue a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. On the appointed day, the Jews prevail over those who sought their destruction. The victory is celebrated with feasting and joy, and the festival of Purim is established to commemorate their deliverance.

Esther's account is a testament to divine providence and the courage of a young woman who risked her life to save her people. Her legacy is one of faith, bravery, and the belief that God places individuals in specific circumstances for a purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 2:7,15
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
Nave's Topical Index