v1-2: The events of the lives of Esther and Mordecai were recorded by the king.

v3: Like Joseph and Daniel, Mordecai was honoured by a Gentile king. He had honoured God, and God had honoured him. He sought the good of his own people, even in a dangerous environment; compare Neh 2.10. Joseph and Daniel similarly enjoyed reward and promotion. In each case the reward is greater responsibility (Luke 19.16-17), rather than greater privilege.

The godly man has a love for God, and for the people of God.

Although spread across 127 provinces, the Jewish people remained distinctive.