Topical Bible: Lots, Feast of Purim: The: The Jews Bound Themselves to Keep

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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).

Biblical Background

The narrative of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, which details the events 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 the Jewish people, 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. He cast lots to choose the date for this massacre, which fell on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar (Esther 3:13).

Through the courage and intervention of Queen Esther, who was herself Jewish, the plot was exposed to the king. Esther, risking her life, revealed her Jewish identity and pleaded for her people. King Xerxes, moved by Esther's plea and Mordecai's loyalty, ordered the execution of Haman and granted the Jews the right to defend themselves (Esther 8:11).

Institution of the Feast

Following their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim as a perpetual commemoration of this great salvation. The Jews were to celebrate annually on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar, marking the time when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration (Esther 9:21-22). The observance included feasting, gladness, and the giving of gifts to one another and to the poor (Esther 9:22).

Binding Obligation

The Jewish people collectively agreed to observe Purim as a binding ordinance for themselves and their descendants. Esther 9:27 states, "the Jews bound themselves, their descendants, and all who joined them, to celebrate these two days without fail, according to the written instructions and at the appointed time every year." This binding commitment ensured that the memory of their deliverance would be preserved throughout generations.

Significance

The Feast of Purim serves as a powerful reminder of God's providence and protection over His people, even in times of great peril. It underscores the themes of divine justice, the reversal of fortunes, and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant people, as well as the courage and faith of individuals like Esther and Mordecai who played pivotal roles in the deliverance of the Jewish nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 9:27,28
The Jews ordained, and took on them, and on their seed, and on all such as joined themselves to them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
Torrey's Topical Textbook