The Jewish Response I: Mordecai’s Plan for Esther: There are now two royal documents that refer directly or indirectly to Mordecai. His protection of the king in chapter 2, recorded in the royal annals, would typically guarantee him a place of protection and prestige among the king’s benefactors. He is also a Jew and therefore a target of Haman’s edict in chapter 3. In fact, he is Haman’s primary target. Which of these two documents will determine the future of Mordecai and the Jews? Over the next two chapters, it appears that Haman’s edict will have more to say about the destiny of the Jews than a forgotten deed of loyalty.

While the citizens of Susa were bewildered over Haman’s decree, the Jews were devastated. The chapter begins with Mordecai, the representative Jew in mourning, reflecti…