Topical Bible: Decision: Mordecai

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mordecai, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is a Jewish man of the tribe of Benjamin who resides in the Persian city of Susa during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). He is most notably recognized for his role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, orchestrated by Haman, an influential advisor to the king. Mordecai's decisions throughout the narrative are pivotal and reflect his faith, wisdom, and commitment to his people and God.

Background and Character:

Mordecai is introduced as the cousin and guardian of Esther, whom he had adopted as his own daughter after the death of her parents (Esther 2:7). His lineage is traced back to Kish, a Benjamite, which connects him to King Saul's family line. Mordecai's character is marked by his integrity, loyalty, and deep concern for the welfare of his people.

Key Decisions:

1. Refusal to Bow to Haman:
Mordecai's decision not to bow to Haman is a defining moment in the narrative. Despite the king's command that all should bow to Haman, Mordecai refuses, citing his Jewish faith as the reason (Esther 3:2-4). This act of defiance is rooted in his adherence to the First Commandment, which prohibits idolatry and the worship of anyone other than God. Mordecai's decision sets off a chain of events that lead to Haman's plot against the Jews.

2. Informing Esther of the Plot:
Upon learning of Haman's decree to destroy the Jews, Mordecai takes decisive action by informing Esther, who has become queen. He urges her to use her position to intercede with the king on behalf of her people (Esther 4:7-8). Mordecai's decision to involve Esther demonstrates his strategic thinking and his belief in God's providence.

3. Encouragement to Esther:
Mordecai's famous words to Esther, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14), reflect his understanding of divine purpose. He encourages Esther to recognize her unique position and the potential role she could play in God's plan for the salvation of the Jewish people.

4. Instituting the Feast of Purim:
After the Jews' deliverance, Mordecai, along with Esther, establishes the Feast of Purim to commemorate their victory and God's deliverance (Esther 9:20-22). This decision ensures that future generations remember the events and the faithfulness of God in preserving His people.

Impact and Legacy:

Mordecai's decisions have a profound impact on the Jewish community and the Persian Empire. His rise to prominence, as he is eventually appointed to a high position in the king's court (Esther 10:3), signifies the reversal of fortune for the Jews and the triumph of righteousness over evil. Mordecai's life and decisions exemplify the themes of faith, courage, and divine providence, serving as an enduring testament to God's sovereignty and care for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 3:2,3
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... So the splendid career of a hero and patriot, like Mordecai, Moses, or Washington,
is less glorious than the simple decision made amid the conflicting emotions ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... by their recent experience during the troublous times of Esther and Mordecai, the
Jews ... of Levi failed at a time when the influence of a decision to accompany ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

Questions.
... 6. What benefit did Mordecai do the king? 7. How did Haman seek revenge for
Mordecai's scorn? ... 7. To whose decision was the dispute referred? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... the court of Pharaoh, Daniel was a trusted counsellor of Nebuchadnezzar, Mordecai
waited at ... I admire the man whose decision was equal to his prudence, though I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Letter Lxxix. To Salvina.
... Mordecai also and Esther amid purple and silk and jewels overcame pride with humility ...
that suggestions of sin tickle all our minds, and the decision rests with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxix to salvina.htm

Book iii.
... turn over the memoirs of his faithful ministers and come upon Mordecai, by whose ...
And so, dearest brother, it was our decision in council that no one ought to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... John Wallace, Joseph Kinkaid, Peyton Anderson, Enoch Johnson, Richard McAllister,
Mordecai Barry, Louis R ... and able assertor, that he came to no decision on the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... When I think of Mordecai, and Daniel, yea, and of David too, and of the behaviour
of them all with respect to the powers that they were under, I cannot but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm