Topical Bible: Lots, Feast of Purim: The: Lasted Two Days

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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 he would carry out his plan against the Jews (Esther 3:7).

Biblical Account:

The narrative of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, a canonical text in the Old Testament. The account 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-seated animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. In his wrath, Haman devised a scheme to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire.

Esther, a Jewish woman who had become queen, was urged by her cousin Mordecai to intercede with the king. After fasting and prayer, Esther courageously approached King Ahasuerus, revealing her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. The king, moved by Esther's plea, ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). Subsequently, a royal edict was issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:11).

Observance:

The Feast of Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th and 15th days of the Hebrew month of Adar. The two-day observance is rooted in the events described in Esther 9:17-19. The Jews in the provinces rested and celebrated on the 14th day, while those in the capital city of Susa did so on the 15th day, due to the extended conflict there. As a result, Purim is observed for two days, with the 15th day known as Shushan Purim, named after the city of Susa.

Customs and Traditions:

Purim is marked by joyous celebration, feasting, and the giving of gifts. Key customs include the public reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther), during which the congregation participates by making noise to drown out Haman's name whenever it is mentioned. This practice symbolizes the obliteration of Haman's memory.

Another important aspect of Purim is the giving of "mishloach manot," gifts of food to friends and family, and "matanot la'evyonim," charitable donations to the poor, as instructed in Esther 9:22: "as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. They were to observe them as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor."

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Purim underscores the providence of God and His protection over His people. Although the name of God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His hand is evident in the deliverance of the Jews. The festival serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the triumph of good over evil, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty even in times of peril.

The Feast of Purim, with its themes of reversal and redemption, continues to be a significant observance within Judaism, reflecting the enduring legacy of God's deliverance and the resilience of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 9:21
To establish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
Torrey's Topical Textbook