Mordecai

Mordecai, also Mordechai, is one of the main personalities in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. He is the cousin and guardian of Esther, who became queen of Persia under the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). The king's grand vizier Haman is offended by Mordecai because of his refusal to bow before him, and when confronted, Mordecai's excuse was simply that he was a Jew.

Quotes

• (To Esther) He sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

• Book of Esther 4:13-14 NIV.

• “O Lord God, King and ruler of all things, the entire universe is subject to your power, and no one can thwart you in your intention to save Israel. You made heaven and earth and every wonderful thing under the firmament. You are Lord of all, and there is no one, O Lord, who can resist you. Since you know all things, O Lord, you realize that it was not because of insolence or pride or a desire for glory that I so acted in refusing to bow down to this haughty Haman. To ensure the salvation of Israel, I would gladly have kissed the soles of his feet. But I acted in this way so as not to place human glory above the glory of God. I will not bow down to anyone but you, my Lord, and I will not act in this way out of pride.

“Now, Lord, my God and King, O God of Abraham, spare your people, for our enemies are determined to exterminate us and to destroy the inheritance that has been yours from times of old. Do not forsake your people whom you redeemed and brought out of Egypt for yourself. Hear my prayer and have mercy on your heritage. Turn our sorrow into joy so that we may live to sing praise to your name, O Lord. Do not silence the lips of those who praise you.”

And all the Israelites also cried aloud with all their strength, since death was before their eyes.

• Book of Eshter, Chapter C, Prayer of Mordechai NCB.