Esther 10:1-3
Seeking the Good of His People
Read the passage
1Now King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores.
2And all of Mordecai’s powerful and magnificent accomplishments, together with the full account of the greatness to which the king had raised him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia?
3For 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.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The closing chapter begins with Xerxes imposing tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores. He remains king. The Jews' deliverance has taken place within his empire, not by leaving it.
The account then points to the royal chronicles for a fuller record of Mordecai's achievements and the greatness to which Xerxes raised him. Royal records have already mattered when Mordecai's unrewarded service was read to the king. Now the closing account points to the record of a much greater public role. Yet it does not leave us with his achievements alone.
The last verse gives both Mordecai's rank and the use he makes of it. He is second only to Xerxes, favored by many of his people,
seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
Haman used influence to threaten a people after one man refused him honor. Mordecai's influence is described in terms of their good and peace. That is more than a change in who wears the ring; it is a change in what power is being used to do.
The people marked for death are alive, and Mordecai has continuing work on their behalf. The book ends with that service. Deliverance gives them a future in which ordinary care for their common life still matters.
Questions
1 Who remains king at the end of the book?
AnswerXerxes. He imposes tribute across his kingdom, while Mordecai serves in a position beneath him.
2 Where does the passage point for a fuller account of Mordecai?
AnswerThe Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia. Esther cites that record without reproducing it.
3 What position does Mordecai hold?
AnswerHe is second only to Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and highly favored by many of his kinsmen.
4 How does he use his position?
AnswerHe seeks his people's good and speaks peace to his countrymen. The closing description includes the benefit others receive from his influence.
What This Means for Us
We can seek another person's good from the position we already have. You may be able to make a fair decision, speak for someone whose concern is being ignored, or help resolve an argument. Ask how your influence affects the people around you. Trusting God's care includes using the opportunities before us for their good.
Prayer
Father, thank you for a man who sought the good of his people from the place he had been given. We did not choose all our circumstances and we cannot control most of them. Show us the good we can seek here, and give us peace to speak to the people around us. Amen.