Esther 3:3

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

فَسَأَلَ رِجَالُ الْمَلِكِ الْوَاقِفُونَ بِبَابِ مُرْدَخَايَ: «لِمَاذَا تَتَمَرَّدُ عَلَى أَمْرِ الْمَلِكِ؟»

What Does This Mean?

The servants of the king ask Mordecai why he is not following the king's order. This shows that Mordecai was in a position where he was expected to obey the king's command, but he was not doing so.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your teacher asked everyone to wear a red shirt to school, but you came in a blue one. Your classmates might ask you why you didn't follow the rule. That's what's happening here, but with a king and his servants.

Historical Background

The Book of Esther was written during the Persian period, likely around 470-450 BCE. It tells the story of the Jewish people living in exile in Persia and how Esther, a Jewish queen, saved her people from Haman's plot. The context here is the tension between Mordecai's loyalty to his faith and his duty to the king.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where you are asked to do something that goes against your beliefs at work. Just like Mordecai, you might face questions from your colleagues about your actions. The key is to stand firm in what you believe is right.

Topics

• obedience
• loyalty
• faith
• conflict
• authority
• duty

Related Verses

• Exodus 1:15-17
• Daniel 3:16-18
• Daniel 6:13
• John 18:36-37
• Acts 5:29

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the king's command in Esther 3:3?

The specific command is not mentioned here, but it likely refers to Mordecai's refusal to bow down to Haman, which led to Haman's plot against the Jews.

Why was Mordecai not following the king's command?

Mordecai was a devout Jew and likely felt that bowing down to Haman would be an act of idolatry, which goes against Jewish beliefs.

What can we learn from Mordecai's actions in this verse?

We learn the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even when it means going against authority figures or societal norms.

How does this verse relate to the theme of obedience?

It highlights the tension between obedience to earthly authorities and obedience to one's faith, showing that sometimes the two can come into conflict.