Mordecai, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is renowned for his pivotal role in interceding with King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) on behalf of the Jewish people. His actions are instrumental in the deliverance of the Jews from a plot of annihilation orchestrated by Haman, the king's vizier.

Background and Rise to Prominence

Mordecai, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, is introduced in the narrative as residing in Susa, the Persian capital. He is the cousin and adoptive father of Esther, who becomes queen to Ahasuerus. Mordecai's rise to prominence begins with his discovery of a plot to assassinate the king, which he reports through Esther, thereby saving the king's life (Esther 2:21-23).

The Plot Against the Jews

The conflict arises when Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official, becomes enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him. In retaliation, Haman devises a plan to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire, casting lots (purim) to determine the date of their destruction (Esther 3:5-7). Haman secures the king's approval by misrepresenting the Jews as a rebellious people (Esther 3:8-11).

Mordecai's Intercession

Upon learning of the decree, Mordecai dons sackcloth and ashes, mourning publicly and urging the Jewish community to fast and pray (Esther 4:1-3). He communicates with Esther, urging her to approach the king and plead for her people, despite the risk of death for appearing unsummoned before the king (Esther 4:8-14).

Esther, heeding Mordecai's counsel, bravely approaches Ahasuerus and invites him and Haman to a banquet, where she plans to reveal her Jewish identity and Haman's plot (Esther 5:1-8).

The King's Favor and Haman's Downfall

In a providential turn, the king, unable to sleep, reviews the royal chronicles and is reminded of Mordecai's earlier service in foiling the assassination plot. Ahasuerus decides to honor Mordecai, ironically tasking Haman with leading Mordecai through the city in royal apparel (Esther 6:1-11).

At the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's scheme to annihilate her people. The king, enraged, orders Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:1-10).

The Jews' Deliverance

Following Haman's execution, Mordecai is elevated to a position of power, receiving Haman's estate and the king's signet ring (Esther 8:1-2). Mordecai and Esther successfully petition the king to issue a new decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:7-13).

On the appointed day, the Jews triumph over their adversaries, and the feast of Purim is established to commemorate their deliverance (Esther 9:1-22). Mordecai's influence grows, and he is recognized for his leadership and dedication to the welfare of his people (Esther 10:3).

Mordecai's intercession with Ahasuerus exemplifies courage, faith, and divine providence, highlighting the importance of standing firm in one's convictions and the power of God to deliver His people through seemingly insurmountable circumstances.Esther 8:1
On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was to her.
Nave's Topical Index

Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
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The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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