The book of Esther tells the story of God’s providence for His people. A young Jewess orphan becomes queen and is able to intervene with a heathen king to save her people. Her legacy is still celebrated to at the Feast of Purim each year. However, it seems to me that the real hero of the story is Mordecai, the uncle (cousin) and mentor of Esther. He leaves an example for all of us to follow.
Mordecai practiced “pure and undefiled” religion (James 1:27) by raising his orphaned niece. He was the one who took her to the palace with all the other young women from the kingdom when a new queen was sought. Even after she had become the queen he went daily to the palace to make certain that she was well and continually kept in contact with her.
Mordecai showed “honor for the king” (I Peter 2:17). When he learned of a plot to assassinate Ahasuerus he sent a warning through Esther so that it became known, even though the king was a heathen who had no concern for the God of heaven or His people. But he was the king, and Mordecai gave him the honor he deserved.
Mordecai’s honor for those in authority was not raised to the level of bowing down and paying homage in worship. He would worship only the Lord God (Exodus 34:34). Even though the king had elevated Haman to such a position, Mordecai refused to bow down.
In the face of impending death and destruction of himself and all the Jews, Mordecai turned to God. When he learned that Haman’s plot had been approved by the king Mordecai tore his clothes, dressed in sackcloth, wailed loudly and bitterly, all signs of distress but a way of humbling oneself before God (Job 2:8-10). In addition he involved Jews in all the land to join him with fasting for their cause.
Mordecai acted. When the Children of Israel seemed trap between the Egyptian army and Red Sea, God said, “Go forward” (Exodus 14:15). When the next generation faced the unconquerable city of Jericho the Lord said, “Go forward and march” (Joshua 6:7). Faith in God’s deliverance or blessing His people calls for action on their part. Mordecai did what he could, and sent word to Esther that she also needed to act.
When he first asked Esther to act, she was reluctant. She knew that if she went to see the king without being summoned, she faced the possibility of death. But Mordecai was insistent. In the theme verses of the book “Mordecai to them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?’” (Esther 4:13, 14 NASB).
Mordecai’s faith in God’s deliverance and salvation for the Jews was evident: “deliverance will arise from another place” but he also realized that it was His providence that had elevated Esther to her position in the palace just for this moment At his urging, she acted. And the course of history was changed.
Haman and his sons were all hanged. His position and possessions were given to Mordecai. Instead of being destroyed the Jews were able to destroy their enemies and enrich themselves. All as the result of Mordecai’s active faith. And God’s providence has place us in our present positions to act.