Esther 2:22

KJV

And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told [it] unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king [thereof] in Mordecai's name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the thing {H1697} was known {H3045} to Mordecai {H4782}, who told {H5046} it unto Esther {H635} the queen {H4436}; and Esther {H635} certified {H559} the king {H4428} thereof in Mordecai's {H4782} name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Mordekhai learned about it and told Ester the queen. Ester reported it to the king, crediting Mordekhai.

Berean Standard Bible

When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.

American Standard Version

And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:22 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, detailing Mordecai's discovery of a plot against King Ahasuerus, his swift relay of this critical intelligence to Queen Esther, and her faithful certification of the information to the king, explicitly crediting Mordecai. This seemingly minor incident of loyalty and integrity is meticulously recorded in the royal chronicles, setting the stage for a future turn of events that will prove instrumental in the preservation of the Jewish people, subtly revealing the unseen hand of divine providence at work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the revelation of a conspiracy by two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who sought to assassinate King Ahasuerus ([Esther 2:21](/esther/2-21 "Esther 2:21 - The Plot Against King Ahasuerus")). Mordecai, positioned at the king's gate, overheard their nefarious plans. The subsequent recording of this heroic act in the royal chronicles, mentioned in [Esther 2:23](/esther/2-23 "Esther 2:23 - The Plot Recorded"), is crucial, as it directly prefigures the dramatic events of [Esther chapter 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - Mordecai's Honor"), where the king's sleepless night leads him to review these very records, ultimately resulting in Mordecai's elevation and Haman's downfall. The narrative here efficiently sets up a critical plot device for the book's climax.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The story unfolds within the vast Achaemenid Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus, commonly identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BC). The king's gate was a significant public space where officials, courtiers, and citizens gathered, making it a prime location for eavesdropping and information gathering, as demonstrated by Mordecai's presence. Plots against monarchs were not uncommon in ancient empires, making the security of the king paramount. The meticulous keeping of royal chronicles (the "book of records of the chronicles") was a standard practice in Persian administration, serving as a historical archive and a means of recognizing loyal service, which proves providentially significant in this narrative. The queen, though powerful, still acted as an intermediary to the king, highlighting the strict protocols of the Persian court.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 2:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's sovereign hand orchestrating events behind the scenes, even though His name is conspicuously absent from the entire book. Mordecai's seemingly coincidental discovery and Esther's faithful relay of information are vital links in a chain of events designed to protect God's people, echoing the sentiment of [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). Secondly, it highlights **Loyalty and Vigilance**, as Mordecai's attentiveness and faithfulness to the king are exemplary. Thirdly, **Integrity and Humility** are demonstrated by Esther, who, despite her newfound royal status, ensures that credit for the discovery is accurately attributed to Mordecai, rather than claiming it for herself. This act of integrity becomes a foundational element for future deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Hebrew, _yada'_):** This verb signifies not merely a casual hearing but a deep understanding, a recognition of the plot's gravity and authenticity. Mordecai didn't just overhear whispers; he comprehended the full extent of the danger, implying a discerning and vigilant awareness.
* **told (Hebrew, _nagad'_):** Used twice in this verse, first for Mordecai's communication to Esther and then for Esther's communication to the king. It means "to declare," "to report," or "to make known." It implies a formal and intentional relay of information, signifying the urgency and importance of the message being conveyed through the proper channels of authority.
* **Mordecai (Hebrew, _Mordekhay'_):** As a central figure, Mordecai's name here emphasizes his role as the initiator of the chain of events that will ultimately lead to salvation for the Jewish people. His identity as a Jew and his faithful service to the king are critical for understanding the unfolding narrative of divine protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the thing was known to Mordecai":** This clause establishes Mordecai's crucial role as the one who uncovers the assassination plot. His position at the king's gate, a place of public gathering and information exchange, enabled him to discern the danger. This discovery is presented as a factual event, foundational to the subsequent actions.
* **"who told [it] unto Esther the queen":** This highlights the strategic importance of Esther's new position. Mordecai, as her guardian and cousin, had a direct and trusted channel to the queen, allowing him to bypass normal court protocols and relay sensitive information directly to the highest levels of power. This act underscores their familial bond and mutual trust.
* **"and Esther certified the king [thereof] in Mordecai's name":** This final clause is rich in meaning. Esther acts as the indispensable intermediary, using her access to the king to convey the life-saving intelligence. Her decision to certify the information "in Mordecai's name" is a powerful demonstration of her integrity and loyalty, not only to the king but also to Mordecai. It ensures that proper credit is given, a detail that will later become supremely important for Mordecai's recognition and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Esther skillfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the meticulous recording of Mordecai's deed, explicitly mentioned in [Esther 2:23](/esther/2-23 "Esther 2:23 - The Plot Recorded"), sets the stage for the dramatic reversal in [Esther chapter 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - Mordecai's Honor"), where this very act is recalled to save Mordecai from Haman's gallows. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: an act of loyalty intended to save the king's life will ultimately be used by God to save His people from annihilation. The narrative demonstrates remarkable **Narrative Economy**, conveying a complex sequence of events—discovery, relay, and official recording—in a single verse, emphasizing the efficiency and divine orchestration of these pivotal moments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:22 serves as a powerful testament to the theme of divine providence, even in a book where God's name is never explicitly mentioned. The seemingly mundane act of Mordecai overhearing a plot and Esther faithfully reporting it is not mere coincidence but a divinely orchestrated step in God's plan to preserve His covenant people. It illustrates how God works through ordinary people and seemingly chance occurrences, using their faithfulness and integrity to achieve His sovereign purposes. This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, subtly directing events and positioning individuals, even when His presence is not overtly declared, ensuring that His ultimate will prevails.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Perspective on Evil for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:22 offers profound lessons for believers today, encouraging us to live with intentionality and trust in God's unseen hand. Mordecai's vigilance at the king's gate reminds us of the importance of being observant and diligent in our own spheres of influence, whether at work, in our communities, or within our families. Small acts of faithfulness, integrity, and attentiveness can have far-reaching, even eternal, consequences. Esther's decision to attribute credit to Mordecai, rather than claiming it herself, is a powerful example of humility and integrity, challenging us to give honor where it is due and to act with honesty in all our dealings, even when personal gain might be tempting. Ultimately, this verse invites us to trust in God's sovereign control over seemingly random events, recognizing that He is always at work, weaving together the threads of our lives for His greater purposes, even when we cannot perceive His direct intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate greater vigilance and attentiveness in our daily lives, like Mordecai, to discern opportunities for faithful action or to prevent harm?**
* **In what specific ways can we demonstrate integrity and give credit where it is due, following Esther's example, even when it might mean sacrificing personal recognition?**
* **How does the story of Esther 2:22 encourage us to trust in God's unseen providence, especially when circumstances seem ordinary, challenging, or devoid of overt divine intervention?**

### FAQ
**Question: Why is it important that Esther "certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name"?**

Answer: This detail is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights Esther's integrity and humility; she doesn't claim the discovery for herself but ensures Mordecai receives proper credit. Secondly, it formally records Mordecai's loyal act in the royal chronicles. This seemingly minor detail becomes profoundly significant later in the book when King Ahasuerus, unable to sleep, orders the chronicles to be read, leading directly to Mordecai's honor and Haman's downfall (see [Esther 6:1-3](/esther/6-1 "Esther 6:1-3 - The King's Sleepless Night and Royal Records")). Without Esther's precise attribution, Mordecai's deed might have gone unrecorded or unacknowledged, altering the entire course of events.

**Question: Does this event have any long-term significance in the book of Esther?**

Answer: Absolutely. This event is a cornerstone of the book's plot. The recording of Mordecai's discovery of the assassination plot is not just a historical note; it is the very mechanism through which God orchestrates the deliverance of His people. Months or years later, when Haman plots to destroy the Jews, King Ahasuerus's sleepless night leads him to review the royal chronicles, where he discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. This prompts the king to honor Mordecai, which directly humiliates Haman and sets in motion the chain of events that leads to Haman's execution and the salvation of the Jews. Thus, [Esther 2:22](/esther/2-22 "Esther 2:22 - Mordecai's Loyalty Revealed") is a critical piece of the divine puzzle, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and sovereign control over human affairs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the book of Esther does not explicitly mention God, the narrative of Esther 2:22 powerfully foreshadows the unseen, sovereign work of God in Christ. Just as Mordecai's vigilance and Esther's faithful intercession secured the king's life and laid the groundwork for the future salvation of the Jewish people, so too does Christ function as our ultimate faithful servant and intercessor. He is the one through whom "the thing was known"—the divine plan of salvation, revealed through His life, death, and resurrection, which was "known before the foundation of the world" ([1 Peter 1:20](/1_peter/1-20 "1 Peter 1:20 - Christ Foreknown")). Christ, our great High Priest, continually "makes intercession for us" before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), faithfully certifying our needs and securing our eternal life. His perfect obedience and sacrifice, meticulously recorded in the divine chronicles, ensure the preservation of His people, the Church, from the ultimate enemy, sin and death. The seemingly mundane act of reporting a plot in Esther points to the profound reality that God works all things according to the counsel of His will ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Will")), ultimately culminating in the glorious work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Esther 6:1

¶ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Esther 6:2

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:22

So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart, and charged [him, See thou] tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

Ecclesiastes 10:20

Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.