Esther 10:3

For Mordecai the Jew [was] next unto 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.

For Mordecai {H4782} the Jew {H3064} was next {H4932} unto king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, and great {H1419} among the Jews {H3064}, and accepted {H7521} of the multitude {H7230} of his brethren {H251}, seeking {H1875} the wealth {H2896} of his people {H5971}, and speaking {H1696} peace {H7965} to all his seed {H2233}.

For Mordekhai the Jew was second only to King Achashverosh; he was a great man among the Jews, popular with all his many countrymen. He sought the good of his people and interceded for the welfare of all their descendants.

For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Esther 10:3 serves as a concise yet powerful summary of Mordecai’s elevated status and enduring legacy at the conclusion of the Book of Esther. This verse highlights his pivotal role in the Persian Empire and his profound impact on the Jewish people.

Context

This verse closes the Book of Esther, a narrative recounting the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation during their exile in the Persian Empire. Following Queen Esther's courageous intervention and Mordecai's strategic counsel, the Jewish community not only survived but saw their enemies defeated. Esther 10:3 confirms Mordecai's permanent and influential position after these dramatic events, serving as a high-ranking official under King Ahasuerus and a beloved leader among his own people. It underscores the stability and security achieved for the Jews after the harrowing plot orchestrated by Haman.

Key Themes

  • Exalted Position and Influence: Mordecai's rise from a gatekeeper to "next unto king Ahasuerus" illustrates the dramatic reversal of fortune and the extent of God's providence. His high office allowed him to wield significant influence for good, impacting policy and administration across the vast Persian realm.
  • Dedicated Leadership and Public Service: The verse emphasizes Mordecai's commitment to his community, stating he was "great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren." This acceptance stemmed from his active role in "seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed." This highlights a model of leadership focused on the welfare and stability of the governed.
  • Divine Providence (Implicit): While God is never explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, Mordecai's elevation and the salvation of the Jews are clear evidence of divine orchestration at work, even in seemingly secular circumstances. His position allowed for the continued protection and prosperity of the Jewish diaspora.

Linguistic Insights

  • "seeking the wealth of his people": The Hebrew word for "wealth" here is tovah (טוֹבָה), which more accurately means "good," "welfare," or "prosperity." It encompasses not just material riches but overall well-being, security, and flourishing. Mordecai was genuinely invested in the holistic good of his brethren.
  • "speaking peace to all his seed": The term "peace" is shalom (שָׁלוֹם) in Hebrew, a profound concept that denotes not merely the absence of conflict but wholeness, completeness, harmony, and well-being. Mordecai's influence ensured a state of peace and security for future generations of Jews. This reflects a leader whose actions brought about lasting tranquility and stability, much like the call to seek the peace of the city where one resides.

Practical Application

Mordecai's example in Esther 10:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Influence for Good: Regardless of one's position or sphere of influence, we are called to use our abilities and opportunities to benefit others and promote justice and peace in our communities.
  2. Serving with Integrity: Mordecai's acceptance among his people stemmed from his genuine concern and actions on their behalf. True leadership is characterized by selfless service and seeking the well-being of those one serves.
  3. Faith in Action: Even in environments where God is not explicitly acknowledged, believers can demonstrate His character and purposes through their dedication to righteousness, peace, and the welfare of others. Mordecai's story encourages us to trust that God can use us in unexpected ways to fulfill His plans.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Nehemiah 2:10

    When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

  • Genesis 41:43

    And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him [ruler] over all the land of Egypt.

  • Genesis 41:44

    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I [am] Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

  • Romans 14:18

    For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

  • Romans 10:1

    ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

  • Genesis 41:40

    Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:7

    And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah [that was] next to the king.

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