Mordecai’s Vindication: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Esther 6

Executive Summary ✨

Esther 6 recounts a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther: King Ahasuerus, unable to sleep, discovers in the royal chronicles Mordecai’s unrewarded act of loyalty in foiling an assassination plot. This seemingly minor detail sets in motion a chain of events leading to Mordecai’s public exaltation, orchestrated by none other than his nemesis, Haman. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to God’s providential hand, working behind the scenes to uphold justice and protect His people. We see a clear example of divine reversal, where the humble are elevated, and the proud are brought low. The meticulous detail with which this chapter unfolds showcases God’s timing, reminding us that He remembers and rewards faithfulness, even when it appears forgotten. Ultimately, Esther 6 is a profound lesson in humility, divine justice, and the unwavering hope we find in God’s sovereign plan. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and integrity, even when unseen or unacknowledged, assured that God’s righteousness will ultimately prevail and provide web hosting for His faithful servants.

We embark on a journey through Esther 6, a narrative teeming with divine irony and providential intervention. This chapter stands as a testament to the enduring truth that God’s timing is perfect, and His justice unfailing. As we unpack each verse, we shall delve into its historical context, explore its theological implications, and draw parallels to our own spiritual journeys. Our focus will be on understanding how this ancient story continues to resonate with the Coptic Orthodox faith, reminding us of God’s unwavering commitment to those who place their trust in Him. This is a story of faithfulness rewarded, pride humbled, and the ultimate triumph of divine grace – *Mordecai’s Vindication*.

Commentary on Esther 6

Esther 6:1 (KJV)

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.

Commentary: This verse is deceptively simple, yet profoundly significant. The king’s inability to sleep is not merely a random event; it is the instrument God uses to orchestrate Mordecai’s elevation. The sleeplessness serves as a subtle but unmistakable sign of divine intervention. The ‘book of records’ was a common practice in ancient Persian courts, meticulously documenting important events and services rendered to the crown. This shows the importance of record keeping even in secular settings. Just as God remembers our deeds, good and bad. Let’s examine what Abba Isaac the Syrian says on the importance of interior stillness, “*Ἡσυχία ἐστὶ μητὴρ πασῶν τῶν ἀγαθῶν. – Hesychia esti mētēr pasōn tōn agathōn.* – Silence is the mother of all good things.” (Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies, Homily 1). This inner stillness helps us discern God’s hand at work in our lives, even in seemingly mundane circumstances.

Spiritual Application: We must be open to recognizing God’s subtle promptings, even in the midst of sleepless nights or seemingly ordinary routines. The divine operates not just in the spectacular but also in the mundane. Practice attentiveness to the daily nudges from the Holy Spirit.

Esther 6:2 (KJV)

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.

Commentary: The discovery of Mordecai’s past act of loyalty is not happenstance; it’s providential revelation. This echoes Joseph’s story in Egypt, where his interpretation of dreams languished forgotten until God’s appointed time. Mordecai’s faithfulness, seemingly unnoticed for years, is now brought to light. This echoes the Psalmist’s words: “*God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.*” (Psalm 7:11). While the world may delay or even deny justice, God’s justice is sure. This verse calls to mind the words of St. Athanasius: “*ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν, καὶ ὁ μένων ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ ἐν τῷ Θεῷ μένει, καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἐν αὐτῷ. – Ho Theos agapē estin, kai ho menōn en tē agapē en tō Theō menei, kai ho Theos en autō.* – God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16 as quoted by Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, Book 1, Chapter 34). Mordecai’s actions stemmed from love and loyalty, reflecting God’s own nature.

Spiritual Application: Continue to act with integrity and faithfulness, even when your actions seem to go unnoticed. God sees all and will reward those who diligently seek Him. Strive for a life that reflects God’s love in all your interactions.

Esther 6:3 (KJV)

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Commentary: The King’s question is telling. It reveals a gap in the bureaucratic process and, more importantly, a spiritual oversight. The fact that Mordecai’s heroic deed had gone unrewarded suggests a potential indifference within the court. It also hints at the pervasive influence of Haman, who likely blocked any recognition of Mordecai. This ignorance reveals a common human failure: forgetfulness of past goodness. “*Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.*” (Matthew 5:7). Had mercy and gratitude been shown to Mordecai, this oversight would have never occurred. Moreover, it prefigures the situation of Christ who, even though he was the Son of God, was not honored, but was persecuted and crucified.

Spiritual Application: Let us examine our own lives for areas where we have failed to acknowledge or reward acts of kindness and service. Practicing gratitude and showing appreciation are essential for cultivating a spirit of love and humility.

Esther 6:4-5 (KJV)

⁴And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. ⁵And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

Commentary: The dramatic irony here is palpable. Haman arrives at the court seeking permission to execute Mordecai, completely unaware of the king’s newfound desire to honor him. This serves as a classic example of divine reversal. Haman’s pride and malice blind him to the unfolding events. He is trapped in his own scheme, oblivious to the justice that is about to be served. This is consistent with Proverbs 16:18: “*Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.*” St. Macarius the Great says: “*Κακία φθείρει τὸν νοῦν, καὶ σκοτίζει τὴν ψυχήν. – Kakia phtheirei ton noun, kai skotizei tēn psychēn.* – Evil corrupts the mind and darkens the soul.” (Macarius the Great, Homily 11). Haman’s malice has blinded him to the obvious signs of his impending downfall.

Spiritual Application: Beware of the dangers of pride and malice. These destructive emotions can cloud our judgment and lead to our own downfall. Cultivate humility and love, allowing God to guide your actions and decisions.

Esther 6:6-9 (KJV)

⁶So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? ⁷And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, ⁸Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: ⁹And let this apparel and horse be delivered to one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the city street, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Commentary: Haman’s arrogance is laid bare in this passage. Assuming the king’s question pertains to him, he proposes an extravagant display of honor, reflecting his own inflated ego. The description of the royal apparel, horse, and crown highlights the immense value Haman places on worldly recognition. His answer becomes a prophetic pronouncement of his own humiliation. This arrogance directly contradicts Christ’s teaching in Matthew 23:12: “*And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.*” Further, the deuterocanonical book of Sirach cautions: “*Do not exalt yourself, lest you fall, and bring dishonor upon yourself.*” (Sirach 1:30).

Spiritual Application: Be vigilant against the temptation of pride and self-exaltation. True honor comes from God, not from worldly accolades. Seek humility in all your actions and intentions, recognizing that true greatness lies in service to others and to God. Meditate on the kenosis of Christ, who emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7).

Esther 6:10-11 (KJV)

¹⁰Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. ¹¹Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the city street, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Commentary: The king’s command is a moment of shocking reversal for Haman. He is forced to publicly honor the very man he sought to destroy. This is a vivid illustration of divine justice and the humbling power of God. The irony is further heightened by the fact that Mordecai, who once sat at the king’s gate as a humble servant, is now paraded through the city in royal attire. The phrase “*let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken*” underscores the inescapable nature of God’s decree. It’s a demonstration of God’s power to use even our enemies to fulfill His will. The Fathers tell us to persevere, even when evil appears to triumph. St. Cyril of Alexandria teaches: “*Ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἐγκαταλείπει τοὺς ἐλπίζοντας ἐπ’ αὐτόν. – Hoti ho Theos ouk egkataleipei tous elpizontas ep’ auton.* – For God does not forsake those who hope in Him.” (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah, Book 1, Sermon 1).

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s timing and His ability to turn even the most difficult situations to your advantage. Remember that even in moments of apparent defeat, God is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will. Be prepared to embrace humility, even when it comes in unexpected forms.

Esther 6:12-14 (KJV)

¹²And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. ¹³And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. ¹⁴And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Commentary: The stark contrast between Mordecai’s dignified return to his post and Haman’s despairing flight is striking. Haman’s covered head symbolizes shame and defeat. His conversation with his wife and advisors reveals a growing sense of foreboding, a recognition that his plans are unraveling. Their acknowledgment of the Jews’ resilient faith hints at a deeper understanding of God’s protective hand over His people. The abrupt arrival of the king’s chamberlains to escort Haman to Esther’s banquet seals his fate. This echoes the words of Deuteronomy 31:6: “*Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.*”

Spiritual Application: Recognize the power of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Remember that God is always with you, even in the darkest of times. Be wary of the counsel of those who prioritize worldly success over spiritual integrity. Trust in God’s ultimate victory over evil.

Key Reflections ✨

Here are some key reflections derived from the story of Esther 6:

• Providence: God orchestrates events, even seemingly random ones, to fulfill His divine plan.
• Humility: Mordecai’s quiet faithfulness is ultimately rewarded, while Haman’s pride leads to his downfall.
• Justice: God’s justice prevails, even when it seems delayed or absent.
• Reversal: The tables are turned, and the oppressor becomes the oppressed.
• Timing: God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.
• Faithfulness: Remain faithful to God, even when your efforts seem unnoticed or unrewarded.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Esther 6:

• Q: Why did the king suddenly remember Mordecai’s deed after so long?

  A: The king’s sudden remembrance is attributed to God’s providential intervention. God orchestrated the king’s sleeplessness and directed his attention to the book of records, ensuring that Mordecai’s faithfulness would be recognized at the appointed time.

• Q: What is the significance of Haman being forced to honor Mordecai?

  A: This event is a clear demonstration of divine reversal and justice. Haman, who sought to destroy Mordecai, is humiliated by being forced to publicly honor him. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and the humbling of the proud.

• Q: What does this chapter teach us about the importance of faithfulness?

  A: Esther 6 underscores the enduring importance of faithfulness, even when it seems unnoticed or unrewarded. Mordecai’s long-unacknowledged act of loyalty is eventually recognized and rewarded by God. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and integrity, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate us.

• Q: How does this story relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?

  A: This story reflects the Coptic Orthodox understanding of God’s providence and His unwavering commitment to His people. It emphasizes the importance of humility, faithfulness, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It also parallels the lives of many saints who faced trials and tribulations before experiencing divine vindication.

Conclusion ✨

Esther 6, a chapter brimming with divine irony and providential maneuvering, serves as a potent reminder of God’s meticulous orchestration of events, ensuring justice for His faithful servants. This narrative brilliantly illustrates how seemingly insignificant details – a king’s sleepless night, an overlooked act of heroism – can become pivotal turning points in a grander divine design. The humiliation of Haman and the elevation of Mordecai underscore the timeless truth that pride precedes a fall and humility is the pathway to true honor. God’s timing is perfect, His justice is unwavering, and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him endures eternally. This chapter encourages us to live lives of integrity, knowing that even when our efforts go unnoticed, God sees, remembers, and will ultimately reward *Mordecai’s Vindication* through the unwavering faith in His promise.

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Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Ahasuerus, Bible, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Providence, Humility, Divine Justice

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Explore a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Esther 6: Mordecai’s Vindication. Discover divine providence, humility, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.