Introduction

The Feast of Purim is a Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This celebration is marked by joy, feasting, and the giving of gifts, and it serves as a reminder of God's providential care and protection over His people.

Biblical Account

The establishment of Purim is detailed in the Book of Esther, particularly in chapters 9 and 10. The narrative unfolds during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the king's court, harbored a deep hatred for the Jewish people, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. Haman devised a plan to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom, casting lots (purim) to determine the day of their destruction.

Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Queen Esther, a Jewess and the cousin of Mordecai, courageously intervened. She revealed her Jewish identity to the king and exposed Haman's plot. In a dramatic reversal, Haman was executed on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, and the king issued a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.

Establishment of the Feast

Following their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim to be celebrated annually. Esther 9:20-22 records, "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies—the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote to them to observe these days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor."

The feast was named "Purim" after the lots (purim) that Haman cast to determine the date of the Jews' destruction. Esther 9:26 states, "Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word Pur. Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them."

Observance and Significance

Purim is observed on the 14th and 15th days of the Hebrew month of Adar. The celebration includes the public reading of the Book of Esther, known as the Megillah, during which the congregation participates by making noise to drown out Haman's name whenever it is mentioned. The festival is characterized by feasting, rejoicing, and the exchange of gifts, particularly to the poor, as a reflection of the joy and relief experienced by the Jewish people.

Theologically, Purim underscores themes of divine providence, the reversal of fortune, and the triumph of good over evil. Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His hand is evident throughout the narrative, guiding events to ensure the survival and prosperity of His chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Context

The events of Purim took place during the Persian Empire, a time when the Jewish people were living in exile. The account of Esther highlights the vulnerability of the Jewish diaspora and the ever-present threat of anti-Semitism. The establishment of Purim provided a means for the Jewish community to remember and celebrate their deliverance, fostering a sense of identity and continuity.

Throughout history, Purim has been a time for Jewish communities to reflect on their resilience and the faithfulness of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith and identity, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

The Feast of Purim remains a vibrant and joyous celebration within Judaism, commemorating a pivotal moment of deliverance and divine intervention. It is a testament to the enduring faith and hope of the Jewish people, rooted in the belief that God is ever-present, working behind the scenes to protect and preserve His people.