Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Mordecai is a prominent figure in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim ("Writings") in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian Bible. He is best known for his role in saving the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, orchestrated by Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire. Mordecai's account is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Purim. Background and Lineage: Mordecai was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite (Esther 2:5). This lineage connects him to King Saul, Israel's first king, who was also a Benjamite. Role in Esther's Life: Mordecai was the cousin and adoptive father of Esther (Hadassah), whom he raised as his own daughter after the death of her parents (Esther 2:7). His guidance and wisdom were instrumental in Esther's rise to become queen of Persia. Mordecai's relationship with Esther is characterized by his protective nature and his commitment to the welfare of his people. Mordecai's Loyalty and Integrity: Mordecai's loyalty to the king is demonstrated when he uncovers a plot to assassinate King Xerxes. He informs Esther, who in turn reports it to the king, crediting Mordecai with the discovery (Esther 2:21-23). This act of loyalty is recorded in the royal chronicles, which later plays a crucial role in Mordecai's rise to power. Conflict with Haman: Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman, the king's highest official, stems from his adherence to Jewish law, which prohibits idolatry (Esther 3:2-4). This act of defiance enrages Haman, who plots to destroy all the Jews in the empire. Haman's plan is to cast lots (Purim) to determine the date for the massacre (Esther 3:7-13). Mordecai's Leadership and Advocacy: Upon learning of Haman's decree, Mordecai dons sackcloth and ashes, mourning publicly and urging the Jewish community to fast and pray (Esther 4:1-3). He sends a message to Esther, imploring her to intercede with the king on behalf of her 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 family 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 learns of Haman's plot and orders his execution. Mordecai is honored by the king, who gives him Haman's position and authority (Esther 8:1-2). Mordecai issues a counter-decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, leading to their victory over their enemies (Esther 8:9-17). Legacy and Commemoration: Mordecai's actions are commemorated in the annual Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. The Book of Esther concludes with Mordecai's rise to prominence as second in command to King Xerxes, where he continues to work for the welfare of his people (Esther 10:3). Character and Faith: Mordecai is remembered as a man of faith, courage, and integrity. His unwavering commitment to God and his people exemplifies the virtues of leadership and advocacy. His account serves as a testament to the providence of God and the importance of standing firm in one's convictions. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MordecaiSmith's Bible Dictionary Mordecai(little man , or worshipper or Mars), the deliverer, under divine Providence, of the Jews from the destruction plotted against them by Haman the chief minister of Xerxes; the institutor of the feast of Purim. The incidents of his history are too well known to need to be dwelt upon. [ESTHER, BOOK OF] Three things are predicated of Mordecai in the book of Esther: (1) That he lived in Shushan; (2) That his name was Mordecai, son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish the Benjamite who was taken captive with Jehoiachin; (3) That he brought up Esther. ATS Bible Dictionary MordecaiThe uncle of Esther, who rose to dignity and honor in the court of Ahasuerus. See the book of Esther. Easton's Bible Dictionary The son of Jair, of the tribe of Benjamin. It has been alleged that he was carried into captivity with Jeconiah, and hence that he must have been at least one hundred and twenty-nine years old in the twelfth year of Ahasuerus (Xerxes). But the words of Esther do not necessarily lead to this conclusion. It was probably Kish of whom it is said (ver. 6) that he "had been carried away with the captivity."He resided at Susa, the metropolis of Persia. He adopted his cousin Hadassah (Esther), an orphan child, whom he tenderly brought up as his own daughter. When she was brought into the king's harem and made queen in the room of the deposed queen Vashti, he was promoted to some office in the court of Ahasuerus, and was one of those who "sat in the king's gate" (Esther 2:21). While holding this office, he discovered a plot of the eunuchs to put the king to death, which, by his vigilance, was defeated. His services to the king in this matter were duly recorded in the royal chronicles. Haman (q.v.) the Agagite had been raised to the highest position at court. Mordecai refused to bow down before him; and Haman, being stung to the quick by the conduct of Mordecai, resolved to accomplish his death in a wholesale destruction of the Jewish exiles throughout the Persian empire (Esther 3:8-15). Tidings of this cruel scheme soon reached the ears of Mordecai, who communicated with Queen Esther regarding it, and by her wise and bold intervention the scheme was frustrated. The Jews were delivered from destruction, Mordecai was raised to a high rank, and Haman was executed on the gallows he had by anticipation erected for Mordecai (6:2-7:10). In memory of the signal deliverance thus wrought for them, the Jews to this day celebrate the feast (9:26-32) of Purim (q.v.). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MORDECAImor'-de-ki, mor-de-ka'-i (mordekhay; Mardochaios): An Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, whose fate it has been to occupy a distinguished place in the annals of his people. His great-grandfather, Kish, had been carried to Babylon along with Jeconiah, king of Judah (Esther 2:5-6). For nearly 60 years before the scenes narrated in Esther, in which Mordecai was greatly concerned, took place, the way to Palestine had been open to the Israelites; but neither his father, Jair, nor afterward himself chose to return to the ancient heritage. This seems to have been the case also with the rest of his house, as it was with the vast majority of the Israelite people; for his uncle died in Persia leaving his motherless daughter, Hadassah, to the care of Mordecai. Employed in the royal palace at Susa, he attracted, through the timely discovery of a plot to assassinate the king, the favorable notice of Xerxes, and in a short time became the grand vizier of the Persian empire. He has been believed by many to have been the author of the Book of Esther; and in the earliest known notice of the Feast of Purim, outside of the book just mentioned, that festival is closely associated with his name. It is called "the day of Mordecai" (2 Maccabees 15:36). The apocryphal additions to Esther expatiate upon his greatness, and are eloquent of the deep impression which his personality and power had made upon the Jewish people. Lord Arthur Hervey has suggested the identification of Mordecai with Matacas, or Natacas, the powerful favorite and minister of Xerxes who is spoken of by Ctesias, the Greek historian. Few have done more to earn a nation's lasting gratitude than Mordecai, to whom, under God, the Jewish people owe their preservation. Strong's Hebrew 4782. Mordekay -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of ...... a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther. Transliteration: Mordekay Phonetic Spelling: (mor-dek-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Mordecai. ... Mordecai. ... /hebrew/4782.htm - 6k Library Mordecai and Esther Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. The Net Spread The Wall Rebuilt. Esther Esther Before the King. Esther's Venture Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. In the Days of Queen Esther Thesaurus Mordecai (52 Occurrences)...Mordecai refused to bow down before him; and Haman, being stung to the quick by the conduct of Mordecai, resolved to accomplish his death in a wholesale ... /m/mordecai.htm - 28k Mordecai's (6 Occurrences) Mor'decai (51 Occurrences) Pur (3 Occurrences) Ahasu-e'rus (30 Occurrences) Purim (5 Occurrences) Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Gallows (8 Occurrences) Eunuchs (33 Occurrences) Chamberlains (17 Occurrences) Resources Who was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mordecai (52 Occurrences)Ezra 2:2 Nehemiah 7:7 Esther 2:5 Esther 2:7 Esther 2:10 Esther 2:11 Esther 2:15 Esther 2:19 Esther 2:20 Esther 2:21 Esther 2:22 Esther 3:2 Esther 3:3 Esther 3:4 Esther 3:5 Esther 3:6 Esther 4:1 Esther 4:4 Esther 4:5 Esther 4:6 Esther 4:7 Esther 4:9 Esther 4:10 Esther 4:12 Esther 4:13 Esther 4:15 Esther 4:17 Esther 5:9 Esther 5:13 Esther 5:14 Esther 6:2 Esther 6:3 Esther 6:4 Esther 6:10 Esther 6:11 Esther 6:12 Esther 6:13 Esther 7:9 Esther 7:10 Esther 8:1 Esther 8:2 Esther 8:7 Esther 8:9 Esther 8:15 Esther 9:3 Esther 9:4 Esther 9:20 Esther 9:23 Esther 9:29 Esther 9:31 Esther 10:2 Esther 10:3 Subtopics Mordecai: A Jewish Captive in Persia Mordecai: Foster Father of Esther Mordecai: Informs Ahasuerus of a Conspiracy Against his Life and is Rewarded Mordecai: Intercedes With Ahasuerus for the Jews Mordecai: Promoted in Haman's Place Related Terms |
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