Mordecai : The Man Who Was a Virtuous Patriot

Mordecai [Môr'decaī]—dedicated to mars, a little man or bitter bruising.

 
1. A Jew who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7).
2. A Benjamite, son or descendant of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish. He brought up Esther, his uncle’s daughter, and adopted her as his own daughter after the death of her parents (Esther 2:5, 7).

The Man Who Was a Virtuous Patriot

What joy must have filled the heart of this foster-father of Esther, when he saw her elevated to the position of queen, and himself exalted to high office in the court. Exile and poverty were now past. Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, and was aware of the plot on the king’s life by two chamberlains. Mordecai reported the plot to the king, thus saving his life. According to Persian customs, a record of this act was carefully preserved in the royal archives (Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-3), and during a sleepless night of the king, was read. It resulted in Mordecai’s consequent reward.

The Man Beloved of Jehovah

Benjamin [Bĕn'jamĭn]—son of the right hand.

1. The youngest son of Jacob and the only one born in Canaan; founder of a tribal family. His mother, Rachel, who died in giving birth to Benjamin, named him with her last breath Benoni “son of sorrow.” Jacob changed the name to Benjamin (Gen. 35:18, 24).

The prophecy of Jacob regarding Benjamin is short and easily verified. Personal courage and martial temperament, a characteristic of the Benjamites throughout history, are before us in Benjamin as a ravening wolf devouring the prey and dividing the spoil.