Esther Chapter Ten
The Greatness of the King and Mordecai
1 King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
This chapter is often considered a later addition to the book, as it offers a “full circle” for the reader is how chapter one opens with a description of the vastness of Ahasuerus’ kingdom. However, it is likely that the author is closing this book (like many of the other books in the Bible, see Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18; 1 Kings 11:41; 14:19, 29; 15:7, 23, 31; 16:5, 14, 20; 22:39, 45; 2 Kings 1:18; 8:23; 10:34; 12:19; 13:8, 12; 14:18, 28; 15:6, 11, 15, 21, 26, 31, 36; 16:19; 20:20; 21:17, 25; 23:24, 28; 24:5; 1 Chronicles 9:1; 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 16:11; 20:34; 24:27; 25:26; 27:7; 28:26; 32:32; 33:19; 35:25; 36:8; Nehemiah 12:23), with a reference to another book that would provide greater detail. Even though similar to Esther 1:1, the author is not only establishing the size of the kingdom but also enormity of the king’s power and authority. The author also includes the actions of Mordecai. Both men and their deeds are recorded in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia. Many of the books referenced in Scripture have never been found, including the book referenced here. Though the ending of verse two was written as a rhetorical question, the statement emphasizes the fact that the story is indeed true and verifiable.
3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
The political position of Mordecai is revealed, he was promoted to the king’s second in charge. He was well received by both Jew and Gentile.