Scripture Notes: Mordecai’s Prayer (Esther 13)

Mordecai finds himself with a big, red bull’s eye on his back in the Book of Esther. He has refused to bow down to Haman, the king’s prime minister, and now Haman is out to get him and all the Jewish people in the Persian empire. A date has been set for their total destruction. It seems inevitable, but Mordecai is not convinced of that. 

The first thing he does is turn to God in prayer. He begins by blessing God and acknowledging His rule. God’s power extends over the whole universe, for He has made all that is and maintains it in existence. Mordecai declares that if God wants to save Israel, then no one can oppose Him. He can do exactly as He wills, no matter what, and by saying this, Mordecai is reminding himself that it is true and expressing his trust in God even when times are difficult and frightening.

Mordecai then goes on to explain why he would not bow down to Haman. Perhaps he is feeling rather guilty for drawing the prime minister’s ire, but Mordecai does not dare set a human being above God. He does not dare to bow to anyone but God, fearing perhaps that his gesture would be mistaken for worship and that Haman would be thought of as God. Mordecai needs to set an example for his fellow Jews and for all people. God is God, and no human being can ever step into that role.

Mordecai now asks God to spare His people from destruction. Their foes are threatening them, and humanly, the situation seems impossible. But God has rescued them before. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt. And He can redeem them again, for the people are God’s portion, His inheritance, His covenant family, a nation of priests meant to bring Him to the whole world. So Mordecai begs God to hear his prayer and have mercy, to turn the people’s fear and sorrow into joy and celebration that they may praise Him forever.  

God answers Mordecai’s prayer, of course, but He does it using Mordecai and Esther as His instruments. He gives them a role to play in the deliverance of their people and the victory over their enemies. Mordecai and Esther must cooperate, through prayer, through courageous action, and through a trusting faith that no matter what happens, God is in control.