Mordecai, a significant figure in the Book of Esther, is best known as the foster father and cousin of Esther, who became queen of Persia. His account unfolds during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and is pivotal in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

Lineage and Position:

Mordecai was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, residing in the Persian capital of Susa. He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite (Esther 2:5-6). This lineage connects him to the family of King Saul, Israel's first king. Mordecai's presence in Susa indicates that his family was among those exiled from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

Role as Foster Father:

Mordecai's relationship with Esther is central to his account. After the death of her parents, Mordecai took Esther as his own daughter (Esther 2:7). His guardianship over Esther was marked by wisdom and care, as he guided her through the complexities of life in the Persian court. Mordecai's influence is evident in Esther's character and decisions, which ultimately led to her becoming queen.

Court Official and Loyalty:

Mordecai held a position at the king's gate, which suggests he was a court official of some standing (Esther 2:19). His loyalty to King Xerxes is demonstrated when he uncovered a plot by two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, to assassinate the king. Mordecai informed Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, crediting Mordecai (Esther 2:21-23). This act of loyalty was recorded in the royal chronicles, setting the stage for future events.

Conflict with Haman:

Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman, the king's highest official, sparked a significant conflict. His steadfastness was rooted in his Jewish faith, which prohibited idolatry (Esther 3:2-4). Haman's anger led him to devise a plan to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire, casting lots (Purim) to determine the date of their annihilation (Esther 3:5-7).

Advocate for His People:

Mordecai's response to Haman's decree was one of mourning and action. He donned sackcloth and ashes, a traditional sign of grief, and went to the city square in front of the king's gate (Esther 4:1-2). He communicated with Esther, urging her to intercede with the king on behalf of their people. Mordecai's famous words to Esther highlight his faith in divine providence: "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).

Triumph and Honor:

Through Esther's courageous intervention, the king was made aware of Haman's plot, leading to Haman's downfall. Mordecai was honored by the king, who gave him Haman's position and authority (Esther 8:1-2). Mordecai's rise to power allowed him to issue a counter-decree, enabling the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:9-11).

Legacy:

Mordecai's legacy is celebrated annually during the Jewish festival of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people. His account is a testament to faith, courage, and the providential care of God over His people. As a leader, Mordecai exemplified wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to his faith and community.Esther 2:7
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

Esther
... Presently the whole Jewish race is imperilled by an act of Mordecai, the
foster-father of Esther, who refuses to do obeisance to Haman, a powerful and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/esther.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... was inherent to him, either by his Father, or by ... they might not as well accuse Mordecai
of incivility ... forget heaven, death, and judgment, to foster lust, vanity ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Why doesn't the book of Esther mention God? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Hadassah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about false accusations? | GotQuestions.org

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