Mordecai’s daily vigilance demonstrates steadfast love and sets the stage for Esther’s rise to prominence and ultimate role in saving her people.
Mordecai went every day before the court of the harem to learn about Esther’s welfare and to know what was happening to her (v.11). These words show a caring family connection between Mordecai and Esther, as Mordecai took on a parental role toward his younger relative. Since Esther was brought into the royal household of King Ahasuerus (also identified by historians as Xerxes I, who reigned over Persia from 486 to 465 BC), she was out of Mordecai’s direct protection, and this verse highlights his desire to stay connected to her well-being. This royal court was in the capital city of Susa, located in southwestern Persia, a center of governance and power where women selected for the king’s household lived under strict guard.
Through the phrase “went every day” (v.11), the scripture underscores Mordecai’s persistent concern for Esther. He did not merely check occasionally on her condition; rather, he made it a daily practice to see whether she was safe, healthy, and at peace. By pacing back and forth near the harem’s entry, Mordecai exemplified faithful devotion to family, an overarching theme in the Book of Esther. His deep care reflects the covenantal nature of God’s people looking after each other, even in foreign and uncertain circumstances.
At this moment in the historical narrative, Esther was being prepared among other women to be presented to the king. Mordecai’s anxious pacing and frequent presence suggests he well understood the dangers and intrigues of the royal court. He acted protectively, even when unable to interfere directly in court affairs. The watchful posture of Mordecai would soon position him to play a larger role in the unfolding drama, as the story of deliverance for the Jewish people continues.
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Esther 2:11 meaning
Mordecai went every day before the court of the harem to learn about Esther’s welfare and to know what was happening to her (v.11). These words show a caring family connection between Mordecai and Esther, as Mordecai took on a parental role toward his younger relative. Since Esther was brought into the royal household of King Ahasuerus (also identified by historians as Xerxes I, who reigned over Persia from 486 to 465 BC), she was out of Mordecai’s direct protection, and this verse highlights his desire to stay connected to her well-being. This royal court was in the capital city of Susa, located in southwestern Persia, a center of governance and power where women selected for the king’s household lived under strict guard.
Through the phrase “went every day” (v.11), the scripture underscores Mordecai’s persistent concern for Esther. He did not merely check occasionally on her condition; rather, he made it a daily practice to see whether she was safe, healthy, and at peace. By pacing back and forth near the harem’s entry, Mordecai exemplified faithful devotion to family, an overarching theme in the Book of Esther. His deep care reflects the covenantal nature of God’s people looking after each other, even in foreign and uncertain circumstances.
At this moment in the historical narrative, Esther was being prepared among other women to be presented to the king. Mordecai’s anxious pacing and frequent presence suggests he well understood the dangers and intrigues of the royal court. He acted protectively, even when unable to interfere directly in court affairs. The watchful posture of Mordecai would soon position him to play a larger role in the unfolding drama, as the story of deliverance for the Jewish people continues.