Esther 2:5

[Now] in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name [was] Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

Now in Shushan {H7800} the palace {H1002} there was a certain {H376} Jew {H3064}, whose name {H8034} was Mordecai {H4782}, the son {H1121} of Jair {H2971}, the son {H1121} of Shimei {H8096}, the son {H1121} of Kish {H7027}, a Benjamite {H1145};

There was in Shushan the capital a man who was a Jew, whose name was Mordekhai the son of Ya'ir, the son of Shim'i, the son of Kish, a Binyamini.

Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish.

There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite,

Esther 2:5 introduces a pivotal character in the narrative of Esther: Mordecai. This verse sets the scene by placing him geographically and identifying his ethnic and tribal background.

Historical and Cultural Context

The verse begins, "Now in Shushan the palace..." Shushan, also known as Susa, was one of the four capital cities of the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I). This city was a significant administrative and royal center, indicating Mordecai's proximity to power, even as a Jew living in the diaspora.

Mordecai is identified as "a certain Jew" and his lineage is traced back through Jair, Shimei, and Kish, establishing him as "a Benjamite." This tribal affiliation is significant; the tribe of Benjamin was historically part of the Southern Kingdom of Judah and produced figures like King Saul (see 1 Samuel 9:1). His presence in Susa highlights the reality of the Jewish people living in exile, far from their homeland, yet still maintaining their distinct identity and heritage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: This introductory verse subtly hints at God's unseen hand at work. Mordecai, a seemingly ordinary Jew, is positioned in the very capital of the empire, setting the stage for his crucial role in protecting his people. This theme of God's providential care is central to the book of Esther, where God's name is not explicitly mentioned, yet His actions are evident.
  • Introduction of a Key Figure: Mordecai is not just a background character; he is a central actor whose wisdom and courage will become instrumental in the survival of the Jewish people. His introduction here establishes his significance early on.
  • Identity in Diaspora: Despite being in a foreign land and under foreign rule, Mordecai's Jewish and Benjamite identity is clearly stated, emphasizing the enduring heritage and distinctiveness of God's chosen people even in exile.

Practical Application

Esther 2:5 reminds us that God often places individuals in specific locations and circumstances for His purposes, even in what might seem like ordinary or challenging environments. Like Mordecai in Shushan, believers today are called to live out their faith and identity wherever they are, trusting that God can use them in significant ways to further His plans and protect His people. It encourages us to embrace our identity in Christ and be ready for the roles God has prepared for us, even when we are far from what we consider "home" or comfortable territory. The seemingly mundane details of our lives can be part of God's grand design.

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.

  • Esther 5:1

    ¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

  • 1 Samuel 9:1

    ¶ Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name [was] Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

  • 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.

  • 2 Samuel 16:5

    ¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

  • Esther 2:3

    And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:

  • Esther 3:2

    And all the king's servants, that [were] in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did [him] reverence.

  • Esther 3:6

    And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.

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