Topical Bible: Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Instituted by Mordecai

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Topical Encyclopedia

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. The name "Purim" is derived from the word "pur," meaning "lot," as Haman, the antagonist in the account, cast lots to determine the day on which he would execute his plan against the Jews (Esther 3:7).

Historical Background

The events leading to the institution of Purim occurred during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the king's court, harbored a deep hatred for Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. In his wrath, Haman sought to destroy not only Mordecai but all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree for their destruction, casting lots to choose the date for this genocide (Esther 3:8-13).

Role of Mordecai and Esther

Mordecai, a devout Jew and cousin of Queen Esther, played a pivotal role in the events that unfolded. Upon learning of Haman's plot, Mordecai urged Esther to use her position to intercede with the king. Esther, after fasting and prayer, courageously approached King Xerxes, revealing her Jewish identity and Haman's scheme. The king, moved by Esther's plea, ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:1-10).

Institution of the Feast

Following their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim as an annual celebration for the Jewish people. Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the provinces of King Xerxes, instructing them to observe the 14th and 15th days of the month of Adar as days of feasting and joy, giving gifts to one another and to the poor (Esther 9:20-22). The feast was to be a perpetual reminder of their deliverance and the reversal of their fortunes, as "the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration" (Esther 9:22).

Significance and Observance

The Feast of Purim is characterized by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), festive meals, giving of gifts, and acts of charity. It serves as a testament to God's providence and faithfulness, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned in the narrative. The celebration of Purim underscores the themes of divine justice and the triumph of good over evil, as well as the importance of courage and faithfulness in the face of adversity.

Biblical References

· Esther 3:7 : "In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar."
· Esther 9:20-22 : "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, 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 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 of gifts to one another and to the poor."

The Feast of Purim remains a vibrant and joyous celebration within the Jewish community, reflecting the enduring legacy of Mordecai and Esther's faith and courage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 9:20
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both near and far,
Torrey's Topical Textbook