Mordecai's Dream in Greek Esther

In the additional Greek opening of Esther, Mordecai is introduced at once. He is a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, living in Susa and serving in the king’s palace. The passage places this on the first day of Nisan in the second year of King Ahasuerus.

Mordecai sees a vision filled with uproar: voices, noise, thunder, earthquake, and turmoil on the earth. Then two great serpents come forward, ready for conflict. Their cry rouses the nations for battle against the nation of the righteous.

The vision grows darker still. There is blackness, suffering, anguish, and tumult. The righteous nation is frightened by its coming trouble. They prepare to die and cry out to God. Then, from what is like a little spring, a great river rises with abundant water.

After that, light and sun appear. The lowly are exalted, and the honoured are devoured. Mordecai wakes, keeps the vision in his heart, and wants to understand what God intends through it. He continues pondering it as the day goes on.

While resting quietly in the palace with Gabatha and Tharrha, the king’s two chamberlains who guarded the palace, Mordecai hears their conversation and investigates. He learns they are preparing to attack King Ahasuerus, so he informs the king. The king examines them, they confess, and the matter is written down. Mordecai is commanded to serve in the palace and given gifts, but Haman is honoured and tries to harm Mordecai and his people because of this affair.