Mordecai
“Possibly 'Worshiper of Marduk'”
Summary
A Jewish exile who raised Queen Esther and whose refusal to bow to Haman led to the dramatic deliverance of the Jewish people.
☩Background
Mordecai was 'a Jew... whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity' (Esther 2:5-6). He served in the Persian court at Susa and had adopted his orphaned cousin Hadassah (Esther) as his own daughter.
☩Esther's Advancement
When King Ahasuerus sought a new queen, Mordecai brought Esther to the selection. He advised her to conceal her Jewish identity and 'walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did' (Esther 2:11). His guidance positioned Esther for her decisive role.
☩Confrontation with Haman
When Haman was promoted, 'all the king's servants... bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence' (Esther 3:2). This refusal enraged Haman, who plotted to destroy not just Mordecai but all Jews throughout the empire.
☩Deliverance and Honor
Mordecai sent word to Esther: 'Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' (Esther 4:14). Through Esther's intercession, Haman's plot was exposed. Mordecai was honored by riding through the city in royal robes while Haman proclaimed his greatness (Esther 6:11). After Haman's execution, Mordecai 'was great in the king's house... and was next unto king Ahasuerus' (Esther 10:3).