A descendant of Kish (the father of King Saul), from the tribe of Benjamin. His family had been carried into exile from Jerusalem with King Jehoiachin. He lived in Susa, serving as a minor official at the King's gate.

He was the adoptive father of his cousin Hadassah (Esther). He took her in when she was orphaned. He was a man defined by Family Duty and quiet faithfulness in a secular job.

He was formed by Vigilance. He sat at the gate every day, listening and watching. He discovered a plot to assassinate King Xerxes and reported it, seeking no reward. He was a man of integrity even when it went unnoticed.

He was shaped by Public Mourning. When the death decree was issued, Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes and wailed in the city square. He moved from the quiet gate to the center of the spiritual battle.

1. The Adoption (Compassion).
2. The Gate Plot (Loyalty).
3. The Refusal (Integrity).
4. The Challenge to Esther (Fatherhood).
5. The Royal Procession (Honor).
6. The Signet Ring (Authority).

The Intercessor and Statesman. Mordecai carried the legal defense of his people. He translated Esther's heart into royal decrees. He eventually carried the King's signet ring.

He provided Security. After Haman's fall, Mordecai wrote the new decree that allowed Jews to defend themselves. He provided the "Right to Fight."

Esther, for guidance and courage. The Jewish nation, for their physical survival. The King, for an honest administration.

He represents the Victory over the Amalekites. Where Saul failed to destroy the Agagite, Mordecai (another Benjamite) succeeded.

He held fast to Identity. He was a Jew in a pagan court, yet he never hid his heritage when it mattered. He held fast to the Unseen Power of God—he was certain that relief would come from "another place" even if Esther failed (Esther 4:14).

He was "broken" out of his comfort zone. He could have stayed a quiet official, but his refusal to bow broke his anonymity and put a target on his back. He chose Persecution over Compliance.