Esther-Mordecai Rallies the Jews

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Mordecai. I have been Esther's guardian since her parents died. 

I am convinced that God chose her to be the queen at this time. How she became queen is such a long story. You can scroll down to read about that. But for now I will tell you what is happening.

I had changed my clothes to sackcloth and rubbed ashes on me. This is a symbol to anyone looking that I am distressed about something.

Esther saw me from her room up there. See? Across the court and up in the women's quarters of the king's castle. I didn't know who all would see my actions, but I had hoped it would make a difference. Do you realize the Jews have been condemned to death in only a few months.

That miserable Haman did this. The man King Xerxes promoted to second in charge of the kingdom.

BUT the Almighty God...the one who chose the Jewish people, is in charge. What He does with the situation will be for the best.

Esther asked me to gather all the Jews in Susa and pray. She asked that we pray and fast for three days. I am very proud of her. She has learned what God would want her to say and do.

Once I heard the news from her servant, I immediately got up and went to the part of the city where the Jews lived. 

I stood in the middle of the road, "Please, everyone gather close. Listen to my words."

Men, women, and children walked out of their homes, curious looks on their faces. Their eyes were sadden, red from crying. They knew what was to come with the edict. 

When a crowd formed around me I spoke. "Listen. I have spoken with Queen Esther through her servant and have informed her of the new edict declaring all Jews be killed in a few months. She sent this following message to me:

Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

I did't have to say more. The people rallied as I knew they would. 

They shouted, "We will fast and pray as Queen Esther has asked." Their solum faces turned to ones of hope. They hugged each other. This had given them a plan. Something they could do. Pray...Ask God for help. Was that all? Yes. Because only God could put such an evil plan to work. To show their sincerity, their conviction that only God could help, they would fast.

"Go, find your brothers and sisters and tell them. Make sure every Jew in Susa knows what to do. We will unite and call on God for His mercy, His salvation, His protection, His blessing."

The people left cheering. Not weeping. 

Because we believe in the Almighty. The One who saves.


...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did Mordecai dress in sackcloth and ashes?
2. What did Queen Esther ask him to do?
3. When he delivered the message to the Jews, what did they do?
4. What last instruction did Mordecai give them?
5. What would they ask God to do?
6. Did the Jews have power to save themselves?