ESTHER 10:3

Oftentimes in the story of Esther, it could easily be forgotten that the pivotal role that Mordecai, her uncle, played. At the very end of the book, in fact, in the shortest chapter of the book, in the concluding chapter, we are told of Mordecai’s greatness. In chapter 9, the writer informs us “For Mordecai was great in the King’s house, and his fame went out through all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater” (Esther 9:4). In chapter 10, the thought is further elaborated when we read the very last verse of the entire book which states “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto the King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed” (Esther 10:3). In the NIV, it reads this way “Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to the King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of the people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews” (Esther 10:3).

From Mordecai and Esther, it can be deduced that they were two of the most unlikely people to be chosen to play major roles in the shaping of a nation. He was a Jewish Benjamite exile, and she was his adopted orphaned daughter. They were neither prominent, famous, nor rich, but they genuinely humbled themselves, and God supernaturally used and elevated them in a most mysterious and majestic way. Mordecai’s elevation came not through the elevation and promotion of self, but by humbly seeking God’s timing and walking through the doors God opened for him and Esther. Against all odds, he adamantly refused to bow to Haman, the enemy of the Jews (Esther 3:1-5). Both Esther and Mordecai feared God, not men. Regardless of the consequences, Mordecai stood his ground and refused to pay homage to the likes of Haman.

Even when the plot thickens and the plan was set in motion to have all Jews killed and wiped out, Mordecai, instead of giving up and recoiling in despair and defeat, set in motion another plan. He appealed to the King of Kings and resolved to embolden Esther to act decisively and to risk her life for the sake of her people. In deepest contrition and humility, they both prayed (Esther 4:16,17). They conferred together to pray and fast. They humbled. themselves and prayed. They did like what the Word said in II Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray…” Instead of God’s people being wiped out, we are told the tables were turned and supernatural deliverance occurred through the bold actions of this one man who dared to put God first and speak up for the welfare of his brethren.

In summary, we find that Mordecai became great by (1) not being easily intimidated by the enemy, (2) by fearlessly trusting God and standing on principle, (3) by wisely conferring and standing in solidarity with Queen Esther, (4) by constantly seeking the welfare of his people and (5) by consciously speaking up on their behalf. He honored the God who is not even mentioned in the book of Esther, but who was powerfully there on their behalf in the shadows. He exemplifies for us the biblical way of achieving greatness.