Topical Bible: Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Confirmed by Royal Authority

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Feast of Purim, also known as the Feast of Lots, is a Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. The name "Purim" is derived from the word "pur," meaning "lot," referring to the lots cast by Haman to determine the day on which the Jews were to be destroyed (Esther 3:7).

Historical Context

The events leading to the establishment of Purim occurred during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the king's court, harbored deep animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. In his wrath, Haman devised a plan to exterminate all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He cast lots to choose the date for this genocide, which fell on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar (Esther 3:13).

Divine Intervention and Deliverance

Queen Esther, a Jewess and the cousin of Mordecai, played a pivotal role in thwarting Haman's plot. Risking her life, she approached King Ahasuerus without being summoned, which could have resulted in her death. Esther revealed her Jewish identity and Haman's scheme to the king, who was moved by her plea. Consequently, Haman was executed on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

Royal Confirmation of Purim

Following Haman's downfall, King Ahasuerus issued a new decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the appointed day. The Jews triumphed over their adversaries, and the day intended for their destruction became one of victory and celebration (Esther 9:1-2).

Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim to commemorate this deliverance. The festival was to be observed annually on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar, marked by feasting, gladness, and the giving of gifts to one another and to the poor (Esther 9:20-22). The observance of Purim was confirmed by royal authority, as recorded in Esther 9:29-32 : "So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes—words of peace and truth—to establish these days of Purim at their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants the matters of their fasting and lamentation. So Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, which were written into the record."

Significance and Observance

The Feast of Purim is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness in preserving His people. It serves as a reminder of the reversal of fortunes, where sorrow was turned into joy and mourning into celebration. The festival is characterized by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), festive meals, charity, and the exchange of gifts. It underscores the themes of divine intervention, courage, and the triumph of good over evil, resonating with the broader biblical narrative of God's protection and deliverance of His chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 9:29-32
Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook