Bible Commentaries
Esther 10

Verses 1-3

Esther - Chapter 10

Mordecai’s Greatness, Verse 1-3

The Book of Esther concludes on a very short note. It alludes to the greatness of King Ahasuerus, known in secular history as Xerxes, the Persian king who fought and was ignominiously defeated by the Greek city states.

He was compelled to levy a heavy tax on his dominions to pay for the mighty thrust he made against the Greeks. The Greek historians estimate his forces at hundreds of thousands, although their accounts are probably greatly exaggerated. The reference in verse 1 to the tribute is a likely reference to that taxing.

Verse 2 intends to sum up the reign of Ahasuerus and the career of the Jew Mordecai. The events are said to have been recorded in the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia, although these are no longer extant.

Skeptics try to fictionalize the Book of Esther because the names of Mordecai and Esther are not found in the archaeological discoveries. God’s ancient record in His Holy Book is far better than anything men may unearth.

Mordecai was advanced by the king to be second to him, his prime minister. He enjoyed prestige among all the people, and especially among his own people, the Jews. For he sought their welfare in every respect, seeking their prosperity and peace in the Persian realm.

A lesson: God’s leaders seek the good of God’s people.