Topical Bible: Faith: Mordecai, in the Deliverance of the Jews

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Mordecai, a central figure in the Book of Esther, exemplifies profound faith and courage in the face of adversity, playing a pivotal role in the deliverance of the Jewish people during their time of peril in the Persian Empire. His account unfolds during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), where Mordecai, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, resides in Susa, the capital of Persia.

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 his Jewish heritage and connection to King Saul's family line. Mordecai's character is marked by integrity, wisdom, and a deep commitment to his faith and people.

Faith in Action

Mordecai's faith is first demonstrated when he uncovers a plot to assassinate King Xerxes. Despite the potential danger to himself, Mordecai reports the conspiracy through Esther, leading to the execution of the conspirators and the recording of his deed in the king's chronicles (Esther 2:21-23). This act of loyalty and courage sets the stage for future events.

The true test of Mordecai's faith arises with the rise of Haman, an Agagite, who is promoted to a position of power and demands that all bow to him. Mordecai, however, refuses to bow, citing his Jewish faith as the reason for his defiance (Esther 3:2-4). This act of civil disobedience is rooted in his adherence to the commandments of God, which prohibit idolatry and the worship of anyone other than the Lord.

Haman's wrath leads to the issuance of a royal decree to annihilate all Jews in the empire. In response, Mordecai dons sackcloth and ashes, mourning publicly and calling upon Esther to intercede with the king (Esther 4:1-8). His faith is evident in his belief that deliverance will arise for the Jews, even if Esther remains silent, as he states, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place" (Esther 4:14).

Strategic Wisdom and Deliverance

Mordecai's faith is coupled with strategic wisdom. He instructs Esther to reveal her Jewish identity to the king and plead for her people. His guidance and Esther's subsequent bravery lead to a series of events that culminate in the exposure of Haman's plot and his eventual downfall (Esther 7:3-6).

The king honors Mordecai for his earlier act of loyalty, and Haman is executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). Mordecai is then elevated to a position of power, second only to the king, and is instrumental in drafting a new decree that allows the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:9-11).

Legacy of Faith

Mordecai's faith and leadership result in the deliverance of the Jewish people, and the establishment of the Feast of Purim, a celebration of their survival and God's providence (Esther 9:20-22). His account is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and divine intervention in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Mordecai's unwavering trust in God's plan and his willingness to act in accordance with his beliefs serve as an enduring example of faith in action.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 4:14
For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but you and your father's house shall be destroyed: and who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Mordecai and Esther
... Mordecai knew what vile passions had been at work to ... 'Deliverance and enlargement
shall arise from another place.' So it ... one in its Lord, one in faith, one in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/mordecai and esther.htm

Esther's Venture
... Mordecai is sure that deliverance will come ... The two parts of Mordecai's message sound
contradictory; but he might ... Little as she says about her faith in God, it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/esthers venture.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... is a clear confession of the faith of Cyrus ... action of their own officials under
Mordecai's authority, were ... That some deliverance of the Jews from their enemies ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Questions.
... What was the blessing of God to Zerubbabel for his faith?"Hag ... 7. How did Haman seek
revenge for Mordecai's scorn ... 9. What great deliverance was given to the Jews ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... the book is to excite the people to faith and courage ... of the Jews; the prayer of
Mordecai and of ... the preservation of their religion, and the deliverance of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Let Him Deliver Him Now
... and his wise men, who said, " If Mordecai be of ... for every single grain of the precious
faith which he ... open your eyes as you see the Lord's hand of deliverance! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/let him deliver him now.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... to a severe trial of their faith and constancy ... the Jews; but, hear the words of Mordecai,
"Think not ... time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
... Thus, even so fundamental an article of the faith as the resurrection of Christ
is ... in Hosea 3:4, or in that of Hezekiah, or at the deliverance of Mordecai. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxx the night of.htm

The Historical Books.
... of the reformatory labors and faith of Jehoshaphat ... establishment, under the auspices
of Mordecai and Esther ... Purim, in commemoration of the deliverance which it ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... "Such great deliverance God hath ... Even now in imagination he sees Mordecai swinging
on the lofty gallows ... I hope you love to "contend for the faith once delivered ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm