Mordecai gave his adopted daughter the cryptic name Esther, concealing her true nationality with the Persian name for Ishtar. Hebrew readers immediately smile at Mordecai’s pun, for in this Jewish language, it means “I will hide.”[1]  Indeed, many hidden treasures, such as God’s name, divine intervention, Esther’s people, and even Passover, are subtly concealed in plain sight within the scroll.

Although the book is titled Esther, Mordecai emerges as a type of the Messiah, given a crown and elevated to the second position in the kingdom. Let us delve into four mysteries of the Messiah within the scroll and how Mordecai’s life foreshadowed Yeshua’s future mission. As we explore these mysteries, consider the task God has given each of us to accomplish for such a time as this.

I. The Mystery of an Unexpected King

Mordecai is a type of the King Messiah, descended from the line of Saul, the son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin. (Esther 2:5-10) The restoration of a kingly line is but one of the Scroll’s mysteries.  To help us understand the hints within the Scroll to the line of Saul, we must examine a method of Biblical interpretation popular during the Second Temple period, used by early Jewish sages such as Hillel and even Yeshua the Lord. This hermeneutic method connects separate texts of Scripture based upon a shared phrase or sentence.[2]  While the technical name for this is Gezeira Shava, we might think of it as a hyperlink. For instance, Yeshua hyperlinked Deuteronomy 6:5, “And you shall love the Lord God…” to Leviticus 19:18, “And you shall love your neighbor….”, using the connecting phrase, “V’Ahavta” (And you shall love).

The Scroll of Esther repeatedly uses this method to subtly connect King Saul and King Agag of the Amalekites to the drama of Mordecai, Esther, and Haman. One example is the words of Samuel the Prophet to King Saul and the advisors to King Ahasuerus in the Esther Scroll.

“And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you” I Samuel 15:28 ESV

Regarding the removal of Queen Vashti, the advisors say, “And let the king give her royal position to another (neighbor)  who is better than she.” Esther 1:19b ESV

What connects these texts written some five hundred years apart?  King Saul lost his position to David, “his neighbor,” “better than him,” because he left Agag alive and refused to wipe out the Amalekites.  And in the scroll, Vashti saw her royal position given to Esther, her “neighbor” “who is better than she.”  Scholars see this as a reversal and temporary revival of Saul’s royal line. Esther came to the kingdom “for such a time” when Haman, a descendant of Agag and Amalek, sought to destroy all of Israel.[3]

Not only was Esther a descendant of Kish, Mordecai was also of Saul’s royal line! And his refusal to bow to Haman sets the stage for the “dice to be cast” for redemption.

II. The Mystery of Man Who Would not Bow

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury”. Esther 3:5 NKJV

Mordecai’s refusal to bow became a catalyst for the conflict and contains a mystery. What was it in Mordecai’s’ refusal that triggered Haman’s attempt at the destruction of the entire Jewish people? (Esther 3:6) And, more so, why exactly did Mordecai refuse?

Jewish commentaries note that the combination of the terms “bowing” and “paying homage,” literally bowing and prostrating oneself, implies an act of worship. To Mordecai, this was idolatry. But Mordecai’s reaction to hearing Haman’s Holocaust decree gives us another hyperlink—this time to the story of Jacob and Esau.

“As soon as Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” Genesis 27:34 ESV

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.” Esther 4:1 ESV

In Hebrew, the phrase “loud and bitter cry” is nearly identical. Thus, early Jewish commentaries from the 3rd to 5th century AD already saw the intertextual connection (Gezeira shava) between Mordecai’s distress and Esau’s.[4]  This gives us more of the backstory of Mordecai’s refusal to bow before Haman, a descendant of Esau.

An Ancient Enmity                        

What connects Esau and Jacob to Haman and Mordecai? We remember that Esau’s grandson, Eliphaz, was the father of Amalek (Gen. 36:12). Amalek is the dynasty from which King Agag and Haman descended. Knowing this we understand why Haman was triggered upon learning Mordecai’s nationality. We also see that this is a spiritual war.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Exodus 17:14-16 ESV

Benjamin Would Not Bow

God is at war with Amalek from generation to generation. Further, we see an interesting parallel, which the rabbis couldn’t help but note.  All of Jacob’s sons bowed down to Esau when Jacob’s family returned from Padan Aram – all except one! (Gen. 33:3-7) Benjamin, from whom both Saul, Mordecai, and Esther are descended, did not bow, having not yet been born.  Could it be that King Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was destined to defeat this enemy?

The Messiah Who Refused to Bow

This mysterious, ancient scroll hints at a deep past but also foreshadows Yeshua, the King Messiah, who would not bow to Satan.  Mordecai’s refusal even points to the book of Revelation, when another “troubler of the Jews” (Tzorer), the antichrist, will demand all people bow down to him. Even now, such demands are being made of the righteous to accept those things which God calls an abomination. We must stand courageous like Mordecai in the strength of Yeshua the Messiah, unwavering and completely trusting God.

Now, we will examine Mordecai’s rescue from a decree of death during Passover and its foreshadowing of the King Messiah.

III. The Mystery of Messiah Raised During Passover

“In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.” Esther 3:7 ESV

We don’t often think of the redemptive element of Passover in the Purim Story. The date for the genocide against the Jewish people, the 14^th of the month of Adar, was decided by the casting of lots called Purim. However, the Purim were not cast in the twelfth month, Adar; they were cast in the first month – the month of Nisan. Likewise, the decree of destruction was sent on the 13^th day of the month of Nisan, the day before Passover!  And here lies one of the most powerful hidden truths. Mordecai heard the decree and tore his robes on the eve of Passover, and the providential hand of God turned Israel’s story toward redemption in this same sacred season. As one of Israel’s sages said, “In Nisan, we were redeemed, and in Nisan, we are destined to be redeemed again.”[5]

“Then the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded….” Esther 3:12 ESV

Rather than mentioning that this is Passover, the Scroll gives us the dates, omitting their significance.  By telling us the date on the calendar without mentioning the feast’s name, the author lightly concealed the shocking fact that Esther called the nation to a fast when they should be feasting on the Passover lamb.  Furthermore, Mordecai will be immersed in a drama he knows nothing about. One in which a despot is plotting to hang Mordecai on a tree, and a king’s sleepless night that reverses the plot – all during Passover week!

A Passover Cry

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.” Esther 4:1 ESV

Like Mordecai’s deep, bitter cry just before Passover, Yeshua wept bitterly on our behalf in the Garden of Gethsemane.  And from the cross He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Mt. 27:46, Mk. 15:34)

And as was done to Yeshua, the enemy sought to have Mordecai hung on a tree.  But the night before, the king could not sleep and called for the royal records to be read, revealing Mordecai’s bravery in saving the king. When Haman entered the king’s court to put his plan into action, he was thwarted, humiliated, and forced to dress Mordecai in royal robes, place him on the king’s horse, and walk before him shouting, ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’ Esther 6:9 NKJV

“Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.” Esther 6:12 ESV

This was simply the beginning of the reversal of the enemy’s decree upon the Jewish people. Rather than crucifixion, Mordecai was elevated above his enemies around the 16th and 17th of Nisan. Esther’s banquets finally exposed Haman. He met his end while being hung on the same tree intended for Mordecai during Passover week.

Messiah Victor and Redeemer

Mordecai’s rescue is a powerful type of the Messiah.  To some, it appeared Yeshua had lost. In reality, He won our great redemption.  Three days after his crucifixion, approximately the same day Mordecai was raised above his enemies, Yeshua was raised from the dead!  As David prophesied of the Messiah, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Psalm 16:10 ESV

Yeshua’s resurrection is the proof of our pardon. And, just as Haman and his sons were humiliated before Mordecai, Satan and the principalities of evil were made a public spectacle by the resurrection of Yeshua, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Colossians 2:14-15)

Finally, let us look at one more mystery of the Messiah hidden within the Scroll—the destruction of Haman’s ten sons and the fall of ten future kings in Revelation.

IV. The Mystery of the One Who Overcomes Ten Kings

“And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day’s edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.” So, the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.” Esther 9:13-14 ESV

Some see a prophetic element in Esther’s request.  “Let it be granted…again tomorrow according to today’s decree.” (Esther 9:11) Haman’s sons were already dead; why ask for them to be hanged on the following day?   Some believe a future deliverance from ten adversaries is being referenced.[6] Just such a parallel occurred in the 20^th Century with the Nuremberg trials; twelve architects of the Nazi regime were sentenced to hang. One was convicted in absentia, and one committed suicide.  This left ten men to be put to the gallows.  One, Julius Streicher, with his final words, shouted, “Purim-fest 1946!” having realized their historical parallel to Haman’s ten sons.[7]

Ten Kings in the End Times

But I see a more significant parallel to the future.  The drama of Haman the Amalekite and his ten sons will once again play on the world’s stage during the Great Tribulation. Then, the Antichrist and Beast will be given the power to rule through ten kings.  These not only lend their authority to the Beast; with one mind, they will make war with the Lamb (Yeshua).  The Lamb, it says, “will overcome them!”

“And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:12-14 ESV

Messiah, the Great King

I believe Mordecai spoke of Yeshua, the Messiah from the house of David when he told Esther,

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 ESV

Esther’s house was that of King Saul.  Had she failed, her “father’s house” would have been completely lost. But Mordecai spoke of deliverance and a deliverer from another place. What “other place”?  What other royal line existed within Israel?  That of David, the rightful heir to Israel’s throne.  Mordecai was a type of the King Messiah for “such a time” from the house of Saul, but I believe he prophesied of the Great King Messiah who would arise from the house of David.  He is the ultimate deliverer, “Even so, come Lord Yeshua”!

Conclusion

Mordecai emerged as a royal figure arrayed in robes of blue and white with a crown of gold. It says there was “light and gladness, joy and honor” for the Jewish people! And many of the nations were so impacted that they also became Jewish. What a beautiful type of Messiah! Born of a royal house, he did not bow before the enemy and won Israel’s great victory for Israel during the Passover! But it is Yeshua who will ultimately blot Amalek out from remembrance.  And through Him, the true light, gladness, joy, and honor will shine upon God’s people in the millennial reign.  And what about the nations who will come through the tribulation?  They will come up to Jerusalem to worship the Great King each year!

Are we ready for Messiah’s return? The book of Esther tells us that we have a part in God’s redemptive plan. We were created to stand against the enemy’s schemes in such a time, for such a generational battle as this. We can only do that by first joining ourselves to the Messiah. Esther had a choice: stick with Mordecai and follow God’s plan or attempt to save herself but ultimately perish. May we stand with the Lord and see the redemption He will bring.

[1] Mordecai overheard the guards plotting against the king speaking in their language, not suspecting they could be understood. (Esther 2:22-23) Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7 list Mordecai as a returning exile, followed by Balshan (linguist). Tradition reads Balshan as a title instead of a separate name.

[2] Hillel and Rabbi Ishmael both codified this method of Biblical Interpretation called Gezeira Shava.

[3] Berger, Yitzhak. “Esther and Benjaminite Royalty: A Study in Inner-Biblical Allusion.” Journal of Biblical Literature 129, no. 4 (Winter 2010): 625–44. doi:10.2307/25765958.

[4] Genesis Rabbah, 67:4

[5] Rabbi Yehoshua, Rosh HaShanah, 11a.2 בְּנִיסָן נִגְאֲלוּ בְּנִיסָן עֲתִידִין לִיגָּאֵל””.

[6]Emmanuel Bloch, “Purimfest 1946: The Nuremberg Trials and the Ten Sons of Haman”, The Torah.com

[7] Ibid

The post The Mystery of Messiah in the Esther Scroll appeared first on Rock of Revelation.

But did you know that the events of the Purim story took place on a very pivotal date? It was the eve before Passover, the Preparation Day, when Haman first declared his evil plan in Esther 3:12-13,

“Then the king’s scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month (Nisan), and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded…to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month…of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.”

As all the Jews were preparing to slaughter their Passover lambs (on the 14^th of Nisan) and celebrate their greatest holiday of the year, Queen Esther called for them all to put their feast aside and fast and pray for three days. This would be like calling all Americans to take their Thanksgiving turkey out of the oven and turn off the football games on their televisions and run to the altar to pray for their nation’s salvation.

Our enemy, Satan himself, is also on a mission against God’s people. He “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). And it was also on that same pivotal date two thousand years ago–the thirteenth of Nisan, Preparation Day of Passover, just before the Jews were to slaughter their lambs, that he attempted to annihilate the hope of salvation for all humanity. But Yeshua Himself said,

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Everything Satan tried to do through the curse, Yeshua our Lord and Savior reversed! The devil tried to destroy salvation, kill hope, annihilate peace. It was the eve of Passover when Yeshua was crucified. On the same day as Haman’s evil decree, Yeshua redeemed our lives from the pit, brought healing by His stripes, restored what the enemy stole from us and, three days later, turned total annihilation into abundant and everlasting life! And He Himself declared His victory in Revelation 1:18, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”

Now that is something to celebrate! That is a great gift that all your friends and neighbors can commemorate—the victory that was wrought by our Lord on behalf of ALL people! And we have been called not just to fast and pray for the salvation of our nation, but to shout this Good News from the housetops. Our Great King Eternal has interceded for His people. He has made a way for every person who calls on His name to come to Him. Let us not hide behind our masks or keep our voices soft. Let us be noisy witnesses for the Lord for such a time as this!

The post The Curse Reversed! appeared first on Rock of Revelation.