Introduction

The festival of Purim is a Jewish celebration commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This event is set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia and highlights the providence of God in preserving His people through the courage and wisdom of Esther and Mordecai.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, which is unique in the Hebrew Bible for not explicitly mentioning the name of God. Despite this, the divine orchestration of events is evident throughout the account. The key figures include Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen, and her cousin Mordecai, who uncovers a plot against the king. The antagonist, Haman, an Agagite and high-ranking official, harbors a deep hatred for the Jews, particularly Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him.

Haman's plot to destroy the Jews is set in motion when he casts the "pur" (lot) to determine the date for their destruction. Esther 3:13 states, "Letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar."

Esther's Intervention

Mordecai urges Esther to intervene, reminding her of her position and the possibility that she has come to her royal position "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Esther courageously approaches the king, risking her life, and invites him and Haman to a banquet. During the second banquet, Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot against her people. The king, enraged, orders Haman to be executed on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

The Decree and Deliverance

Following Haman's downfall, Mordecai is elevated to a position of power, and a new decree is issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. Esther 9:1 records, "On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but the opposite occurred, and the Jews overpowered those who hated them."

The Establishment of Purim

The victory of the Jews is celebrated with feasting and joy, and Mordecai sends letters to all the Jews, establishing the annual observance of Purim. Esther 9:20-22 states, "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, 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 rest 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."

Significance and Observance

Purim is celebrated with the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), feasting, giving gifts of food, and charity to the poor. It is a time of joy and remembrance of God's deliverance and faithfulness. The festival underscores themes of divine providence, the reversal of fortune, and the survival of the Jewish people against overwhelming odds.