Mordecai Does Not Kneel

Mordecai Does Not Kneel

 

[Esther 2:19-3:6]

 

Mordecai does not receive his due reward even though he saved the king from a conspiracy. Instead, Haman, an Amalekite, is appointed, putting Mordecai and the Jewish people in danger.

 

Esther keeps silent about her kindred or her poeple. Even after becoming queen, Esther follows Mordecai's orders. Mordecai worked as an administrative officer at the palace gate. He heard of a plot by two eunuchs guarding the gate to assassinate the king, and he reported the plot to the king through Queen Esther. The two eunuchs were executed as a result, and this incident was recorded in the royal chronicles.

The smooth life of Mordecai and Esther was put into crisis by the appearance of Haman, a descendant of Agag, the king of Amalek. Haman, who had achieved great success and gained the king's trust and was in a high position, had a great influence, and everyone had to bow down to him as if he were a god. However, Mordecai did not kneel before Haman. When Haman learned of this, he was furious and began to plot to kill Mordecai and all the Jews.

 

Haman the Agagite received a high position, but Mordecai did not receive a proper reward for saving the king's life (2:19-3:1). There are many injustices in the world, and even good deeds are criticized. However, the Lord will reward us exactly for what we have done, so let us continue to do good and righteous things even if no one recognizes it.

 

Mordecai does not bow down to Haman (3:2-6). This may be because Haman was an Amalekite, Israel’s mortal enemy, or he may have perceived bowing down to him as divine worship. Whatever the reason, Mordecai’s actions were a risky act to protect the identity of God’s people. As Christians living in the world, we must act wisely, but we must also stand up boldly when the time comes.

 

May we act honestly and faithfully as children of the Lord, wherever we are!

 

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