Esther 2:21 - Meaning and Application

This good service Mordecai did for the government, when he uncovered a plot against the king’s life, is recorded here because it will matter again later. At this point, nothing has yet begun to fulfill Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews, but several things are already moving toward God’s plan to rescue them, and this is one of them. God gave Mordecai a chance to do the king a favor now, so that he might later have a better chance to help the Jews.

A plan had been made against the king by two of his own servants, who wanted to seize him and take his life (Esther 2:21). They were probably angry over some insult they thought he had given them, or some wrong they thought he had done. Who would want to be great, if greatness makes a person the target of envy? Who would want to rule harshly, if that only brings hatred? Princes, more than most people, live with constant danger, and many have been cut down in their strength, especially those who made others fear them.

Mordecai found out about their treason and, through Esther, made it known to the king. That helped Esther gain confidence in him and also brought Mordecai into the king’s favor. We are not told how Mordecai learned of the plot. He may have overheard them speaking, or they may have tried to draw him in. However it happened, the matter became known to him.

This should warn people against all treason and disorder. Even if people think such plans are secret, hidden evil does not stay hidden forever, because “a bird of the air shall carry the voice.” As soon as Mordecai knew about the plot, he had it reported to the king. This should teach all loyal subjects not to hide any bad plan they know of against the ruler or the public peace, because that would make them partners with public enemies.

The traitors were hanged, as they deserved, but only after their treason was fully proven on investigation (Esther 2:23). The whole matter was written in the king’s records, with special note that Mordecai was the one who uncovered the plot. He was not rewarded right away, but a record was kept for remembrance. In the same way, those who serve Christ may not receive their reward at once, since it is kept until the resurrection of the just. Still, God keeps account of their work that comes from faith and their labor that comes from love, and he will not forget it (Hebrews 6:10).