1. Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy (2:21-23)

Mordecai spent a lot of time walking back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was. After she was crowned queen, he still spent time sitting at the king's gate, keeping his eyes and ears open. One day he overheard Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers, plotting the assassination of King Xerxes. He reported this conspiracy to Esther, who told the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The conspirators were hanged, and this event was recorded in the king's journal.

2. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman (3:1-4)

King Xerxes elevated Haman to a high position. Haman was a descendant of Agag, an Amalekite. The Amalekites were ancient enemies of the Jews (1Sa 15:32-34; Dt 25:17-19). All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt and paid honor to Haman, but Mordecai refused to do so. He was faithful to God and to his people, and he would not compromise.

Application: Lord, help me to live by principle, and do what is right. Help me not to compromise with a godless culture.
One Word: Be faithful to do what is right