Bible Figure
Mordecai
Jewish Biblical character (Book of Esther)
Mordecai was the Jewish guardian of Esther who uncovered a plot against the Persian king, resisted Haman, and ultimately became a leading royal official who helped secure deliverance for the Jews.
Biography
Mordecai, a Jew living in Susa, raised his cousin Esther after the death of her parents and advised her during the process that made her queen. He discovered an assassination plot against King Ahasuerus, an act recorded in the royal chronicles. Mordecai later refused to bow to Haman, provoking Haman's plan to destroy all Jews in the empire. He urged Esther to use her position on behalf of her people. After Haman's downfall, Mordecai received the royal signet and worked with Esther to issue a counter-decree permitting the Jews to defend themselves. He became second in rank to the king and was honored among his people.
Biblical Significance
Mordecai is central to Esther's account of providential deliverance. His courage, counsel to Esther, and rise from threatened minority subject to imperial authority form part of the great reversal commemorated by Purim.