Seeking Divine Deliverance: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Mordecai’s and Esther’s Prayers

Executive Summary ✨

This chapter from the Greek additions to the Book of Esther, specifically *Mordecai’s Prayer and Esther’s Prayer*, offers a profound glimpse into the heart of faith amid desperate circumstances. We will explore how Mordecai, facing imminent genocide, appeals to God’s justice and covenant faithfulness. Simultaneously, Esther, burdened by her position yet resolute in her love for her people, seeks divine strength and wisdom as she prepares to intercede before the king. Through a verse-by-verse analysis, we will uncover timeless spiritual truths relevant to contemporary Christian life. The prayers highlight themes of repentance, remembrance of God’s power, and the courage to stand against evil, even at great personal risk. Understanding these prayers through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition reveals a path toward **seeking divine deliverance** in our own trials and tribulations, emphasizing unwavering faith and dependence on God’s mercy.

The Book of Esther, particularly with its Greek additions, provides rich narratives that deepen our understanding of faith, courage, and God’s providential care. Chapter C focuses on the fervent prayers of Mordecai and Esther, two individuals facing unimaginable pressure. These prayers, brimming with humility, repentance, and unwavering trust, serve as powerful models for our own spiritual lives, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, God remains our refuge and strength. Let us delve into the scriptures and explore the depths of their meaning, guided by the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the unshakeable faith of our Coptic Orthodox tradition.

Commentary Sections

Mordecai’s Prayer: Recognizing God’s Sovereignty

Greek (Septuagint): Κύριε, Κύριε βασιλεῦ παντοκράτωρ, πάντα γὰρ ὑπὸ τὴν σὴν ἐξουσίαν ἐστίν, καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἀντιστασόμενος σοί, ὅταν σὺ θελήσῃς σῶσαι τὸν Ἰσραήλ·

KJV: O Lord, Lord, thou King almighty: for the whole world is in thy power, and if thou hast appointed to save Israel, there is no man that can gainsay thee:

NKJV: O Lord, Lord, King Almighty, for the whole world is in Your power, and if You have willed to save Israel, there is no one who can oppose You.

Mordecai begins with a profound acknowledgement of God’s absolute sovereignty. The repetition of “Κύριε, Κύριε” (Lord, Lord) underscores the intensity of his supplication. The title “βασιλεῦ παντοκράτωρ” (King Almighty) emphasizes that all power and authority originate from God. This recognition of God’s all-encompassing power is crucial. We too, in our prayers, must begin by acknowledging God’s supreme authority. As St. Athanasius said, “Ὁ Θεὸς λόγος ἐνανθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν.” (De Incarnatione, 54.3) “The Word of God became man, that we might become god.” Recognizing God’s power is the first step towards receiving His transformative grace. Consider how even now, the need for reliable website hosting can feel overwhelming; trusting in God’s plan and guidance is key.

• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a daily practice of acknowledging God’s sovereignty in all aspects of your life, from the smallest details to the most significant challenges.

Mordecai’s Prayer: Confession of Sin and Remembrance of God’s Past Deliverance

Greek (Septuagint): σὺ γὰρ ἐποίησας τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ πάντα τὰ θαυμαστὰ τὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἀντιστασόμενος σοί, κύριε·

KJV: Thou hast made heaven and earth, and all things that are under the heaven: and thou art Lord of all things, and there is no man that can resist thee:

NKJV: You have made heaven and earth and all the wonderful things under heaven. You are Lord of all things, and there is no one who can resist You.

Mordecai calls upon God’s past acts of creation and deliverance, reminding himself and God of His omnipotence. In our own lives, remembering God’s faithfulness in the past can fortify our faith in the present. The repetition “καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἀντιστασόμενος σοί” (and there is no one who can resist You) emphasizes that God’s power transcends any human opposition. This echoes the sentiment of Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The Fathers often spoke of *anamnesis*, the liturgical remembrance of God’s saving acts, as a means of drawing closer to Him and experiencing His presence. Consider St. Cyril of Alexandria’s words: “Ἀνάμνησις γὰρ ἐστὶν ἡμῖν τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν.” (Commentary on John, Book 1, Chapter 9) “For remembrance is for us of our salvation.”

• Spiritual Application: Keep a journal of God’s blessings and answered prayers in your life. Reflecting on these experiences can strengthen your faith during times of difficulty.

Mordecai’s Prayer: Pleading for Justice and Protection

Greek (Septuagint): σὺ οἶδας, Κύριε, ὅτι οὐκ ἐν ὑπερηφανίᾳ καὶ καταφρονήσει καὶ δόξῃ ἐποίησα τοῦτο, τὸ μὴ προσκυνεῖν τὸν ἀλαζόνα Ἁμάν·

KJV: Thou knowest, Lord, that I did it not in contempt or pride or for any desire of glory, that I did not worship proud Haman:

NKJV: You know, O Lord, that it was not in pride or contempt or for any desire for glory that I did not bow down to proud Haman.

Mordecai asserts that his refusal to bow to Haman was not motivated by pride but by a deep commitment to his faith and the prohibition of idolatry. He appeals to God’s knowledge of his heart. This honesty and transparency before God are essential elements of genuine prayer. Similarly, we must approach God with humility and sincerity, confessing our weaknesses and seeking His guidance. St. Macarius the Great taught, “Οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἁμαρτία ἀνίκητος, ἐὰν μὴ αὐτὸς ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτὸν παραδῷ τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ.” (Homilies, 27.1) “Sin is not invincible unless man himself surrenders to sin.” Mordecai’s prayer highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even when facing persecution. This concept is especially important when considering finding a domain name that truly reflects our values in the face of the immense pressure of modern culture.

• Spiritual Application: Examine your motivations for your actions. Are they rooted in faith, love, and humility, or are they driven by pride, selfishness, or fear?

Esther’s Prayer: Seeking Divine Wisdom and Strength

Greek (Septuagint): Κύριέ μου, βασιλεῦ ἡμῶν, μόνος σύ, βοήθησόν μοι τῇ μόνῃ, μὴ γὰρ ἔχω βοηθὸν πλὴν σοῦ·

KJV: O my Lord, thou only art our King: help me, desolate woman, who have no helper but thee:

NKJV: O my Lord, You only are our King; help me, a desolate woman, who has no helper but You.

Esther acknowledges God as her only King and source of help. Her self-identification as a “desolate woman” underscores her vulnerability and dependence on God. This humility is a hallmark of genuine faith. We, too, must recognize our limitations and turn to God for strength and guidance. The image of Esther standing alone before the king reminds us of Christ’s words: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). St. Isaac the Syrian said, “Ἡ προσευχὴ ἡ γινομένη ἐν ταπεινώσει ἀναβαίνει εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν.” (Ascetical Homilies, Homily 55) “Prayer made in humility ascends to heaven.”

• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of humility in your prayer life. Acknowledge your dependence on God and seek His guidance in all your decisions.

Esther’s Prayer: Requesting Courage and Eloquence

Greek (Septuagint): σὺ γινώσκεις τὴν ἀνάγκην μου, ὅτι μισῶ τὴν δόξαν τῶν ἀνόμων, καὶ βδελύσσομαι τὴν κοίτην τῶν ἀπεριτμήτων καὶ παντὸς ἀλλοφύλου·

KJV: Thou knowest my necessity, that I abhor the glory of the unrighteous, and that I abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of all the heathen.

NKJV: You know my necessity, for I abhor the pomp of the wicked, and I abhor the bed of the uncircumcised and of any foreigner.

Esther reveals her inner conflict, expressing her aversion to the pagan environment in which she lives and her forced marriage to a non-believer. She seeks strength to remain true to her faith despite these challenges. This resonates with the struggles of many Christians today who face pressure to compromise their values. Esther’s honesty before God is admirable. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect but acknowledges her weaknesses and seeks His help to overcome them. Just as Esther needed courage to approach the king, so we need courage to stand up for our faith in a hostile world.

• Spiritual Application: Identify the areas in your life where you feel pressured to compromise your faith. Pray for the strength to resist temptation and remain true to God’s teachings.

Esther’s Prayer: Trusting in God’s Deliverance

Greek (Septuagint): καὶ νῦν, Κύριε, εἰσάκουσον τῆς φωνῆς μου, καὶ λύτρωσαι ἡμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς ἀνόμων, καὶ ἐλευθέρωσον με ἐκ τῆς ἀνάγκης μου.

KJV: Now therefore, O Lord God, hear my voice: and deliver us out of the hand of the wicked, and deliver me out of my fear.

NKJV: And now, O Lord God, hear my voice; deliver us from the hand of the wicked, and deliver me from my dread.

Esther concludes her prayer with a direct plea for deliverance from the wicked and from her own fear. She trusts in God’s power to rescue her and her people. This unwavering faith is the key to answered prayer. Even when we don’t see a way out, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will. As St. Augustine said, “Ora sicut omnia exspectans a Deo, et age sicut omnia dependens a te.” (Pray as though everything depends on God, and work as though everything depends on you.)

• Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s promise to be with you always. Even when you feel afraid or overwhelmed, remember that He is your refuge and strength.

Subtopic Sections

These are some key reflections on the themes presented in Mordecai’s and Esther’s prayers.

• Repentance and Humility: Both prayers emphasize the importance of approaching God with a humble and contrite heart. Repentance is not merely regret but a turning away from sin and a turning towards God.
• Faith in God’s Sovereignty: Mordecai’s prayer begins with a powerful affirmation of God’s absolute authority over all creation. This recognition of God’s sovereignty is essential for building a strong foundation of faith.
• Courage in the Face of Adversity: Esther’s prayer demonstrates remarkable courage in the face of imminent danger. She is willing to risk her own life to save her people.
• Dependence on God: Both Mordecai and Esther acknowledge their dependence on God for help and deliverance. They recognize that they cannot overcome their challenges on their own.
• The Power of Prayer: These prayers highlight the transformative power of prayer. When we pray with sincerity and faith, God hears our cries and answers our needs.
• Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness: Mordecai calls upon God’s past acts of deliverance as a source of hope and encouragement. Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past can strengthen our faith in the present.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the prayers of Mordecai and Esther:

• Q: Why are these prayers included in the Greek additions but not in the Hebrew text of Esther?

  A: The Greek additions to Esther, part of the Septuagint, expand upon the narrative and provide more explicit religious elements. The prayers offer deeper insight into the characters’ motivations and faith, reflecting a later theological interpretation of the events.

• Q: What can we learn from Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman?

  A: Mordecai’s refusal signifies a commitment to his faith and a rejection of idolatry. He prioritized his obedience to God over political expediency, demonstrating unwavering conviction.

• Q: How does Esther’s prayer reflect her role as a reluctant heroine?

  A: Esther’s prayer reveals her internal conflict and vulnerability. She acknowledges her forced position and seeks divine strength to fulfill her duty, highlighting her transformation from a reluctant queen to a courageous advocate for her people.

• Q: How can we apply the lessons of these prayers to our lives today?

  A: By emulating their humility, faith, and dependence on God. We can learn to approach God with honesty, seek His guidance in times of difficulty, and trust in His power to deliver us from our challenges.

Conclusion

The prayers of Mordecai and Esther offer a timeless testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity. These prayers are models of humility, repentance, and unwavering trust in God. As we reflect on their words, let us be inspired to cultivate our own prayer lives and to seek **seeking divine deliverance** in our trials. Remember that God is always with us, ready to hear our cries and to deliver us from our fears. May their example encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when facing persecution or difficult circumstances. Through prayer and dependence on God, we can find the strength to overcome any challenge and to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Let us strive to emulate their courage, their humility, and their unwavering trust in God’s providential care.

Tags

Esther, Mordecai, Prayer, Coptic Orthodox, Greek Additions, Septuagint, Faith, Deliverance, Humility, Repentance

Meta Description

Explore Mordecai’s & Esther’s Prayers (Greek Addition C) through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover timeless lessons on faith, humility, and **seeking divine deliverance** amid adversity.