Mordecai מׇרְדֳּכַי
A leader who returned from Babylonian exile.
Who is Mordecai in the Bible?
Mordecai was one of the leaders who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem, as recorded in Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7. He journeyed with Zerubbabel and the first group of exiles after King Cyrus of Persia issued his decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple. While Scripture does not provide extensive details about his background or specific role, his prominence among the returning leaders indicates he held a position of respect and authority in the community. Mordecai's return was part of a pivotal moment in Jewish history when the exiles began the long process of restoring their lives, city, and religious practices in the Promised Land.
Biography
Mordecai is mentioned in Ezr.2.2 and Neh.7.7 as one of the leaders who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity along with Zerubbabel. He is listed among the men who led the first group of exiles back to their homeland after the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Apart from being named as a leader in this context, no additional information is provided about this particular Mordecai's background, family, or role in the community. His presence among the leaders suggests that he held a position of respect and authority among the returning exiles.
The return of Mordecai and the other leaders marked a significant turning point in Jewish history, as the exiles began the process of rebuilding their lives, their city, and their temple in Jerusalem after decades of captivity in Babylon. This event set the stage for the restoration of Jewish religious and cultural identity in their homeland.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 2:2
"accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:"
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Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:7
"accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מׇרְדֳּכַי |