In this scene we find more unrest in King Xerxes' kingdom. On the surface there may be banquets and drinking, silver, and sparkling jewels, but there is a darker underbelly. Not everyone living under the king is happy. Two eunuchs have murder on their minds (Esther 2:21).

Our attention, though, is drawn to Mordecai. As Esther's cousin and guardian he had paced around anxiously in the courtyard near the harem to learn what was happening to Esther (Esther 2:11). Now we find him sitting at the king's gate (v. 19), which in those days was where government and business activities were conducted in a city. The Persian gates were large buildings with many rooms where royal officials made legal and administrative decisions. Mordecai was thus probably a low-ranking official in the Persian Empire. Yet his presence at the king's gate allowed him to keep his ear close to the ground.

At the gate, Mordecai hears of an assassination plot by two of the king's eunuchs (Esther 2:22). He manages to foil this conspiracy, saving the king's life, and the eunuchs are impaled on poles as punishment. It is all recorded in the official Persian historical annals, but for some reason, King Xerxes forgets what Mordecai has done (v. 23; 6:2-3). There is, however, another king who won't forget. And as we'll find out later in the story of Esther, God will use this seemingly forgotten footnote of history for greater purposes.

In this scene we find Mordecai going about his usual business, working as an official in the Persian government. He is a member of a minority ethnic and religious group within Persian society. There is some danger in being a member of God's people. Yet he still seeks to promote the good of the government he works for. In this way, his actions are consistent with the prophet Jeremiah's advice, to ″seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile″ (Jeremiah 29:7).

We might not always receive immediate recognition for our work. But we must continue to serve in a manner where others can see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).