Webster’s defines “integrity” as follows: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : the quality or state of being complete or undivided.
This certainly describes Mordecai. His family had come to Persia as slaves, captives of Jerusalem’s last stand against the Babylonians. Yet even in enemy territory Mordecai succeeded in business. His cousin, Esther, found more success; she was selected from all the beautiful women in the land to be queen.
With his connections inside the palace, Mordecai probably had high ambitions. He would have to hide his background, though, and he strongly advised Esther to keep her Israelite heritage a secret as well.
Yet when a crisis came, Mordecai stood tall, showing extraordinary courage. The king had named the evil Haman his second in command, and everyone bowed before him – everyone except Mordecai. Esther 3:4 sums up Mordecai’s stance against the king’s edict to kneel down and pay homage to Haman: he refused to comply.
When Haman set out to annihilate all Hebrews in the empire, Mordecai urged Esther to “come out” completely, revealing her race even at the risk of her life. Clearly, loyalty to their people came before success or safety.
Mordecai’s stand and Esther’s courage led to a dramatic turnaround for the whole community of Israelite exiles. King Xerxes rewarded Mordecai with a high position in his court. More importantly, his own community honored him “because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews” (Esther 10:3).
Mordecai was certainly a man of integrity and this week’s lesson will focus on Esther chapters 2-3 as we see what we can learn from Mordecai’s example.