The Feast of Purim – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Feast of Purim, detailed in the Old Testament book of Esther, celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from genocide during their exile in Persia. Esther, raised by Mordecai and chosen as queen, bravely intervened to save her people from Haman's plot to annihilate them, ultimately securing their safety through divine intervention. The feast commemorates God's protection and is a reminder of His faithfulness in delivering His people from threats. The story of Esther and the celebration of the Feast of Purim serve as timeless testaments to God's ongoing deliverance in the face of adversity, encouraging faith and trust in His providence and care for His people.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Feast of Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from genocide during their exile in the Persian Kingdom (Esther 9:26–32). The Old Testament book of Esther provides the historical and theological background that explains the importance of the Feast of Purim.
• Esther (Esther 2:5–7) was raised by her relative Mordecai and recruited as a possible candidate for queen of King Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus). Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal her ethnicity in order to not cause problems during this process. She was selected as queen and was granted a position of great status.
• One of the king's close associates was a man named Haman. Haman despised Mordecai the Jew because the man would not bow in honor to him. Mordecai refused to worship anyone except the Lord God as instructed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–6). Haman's anger resulted in a desire to destroy the entire Jewish population throughout the kingdom. His close association with the king helped make it possible for Haman to make the destruction of the Jews an irrevocable law that would be carried out on a certain date. The date was chosen by lots or, in Hebrew, purim.
• Esther and her people fasted for three days before she made a plea to the king for him to save her Jewish people. This was important because the queen could be put to death if she entered the king's presence without his request. Yet the king granted her favor and promised to grant her wish. After some elaborate details that involved two meals with the king and Haman, Esther begged for the redemption of her life and those of her people.
• The king sentenced Haman to death upon his own gallows and placed Mordecai in an important advisory position. Mordecai and Esther then wrote new letters in the king's name that were distributed throughout the kingdom that allowed the Jews to protect themselves against their enemies. The annual Feast of Purim was instituted to commemorate God's protection of the Jewish people (Esther 9:26–32).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Feast of Purim is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The story of Esther and the Feast of Purim are powerful reminders of God's enduring faithfulness and deliverance. Just as He preserved the Jewish people from annihilation through Esther's courage and Mordecai's steadfast faith, so, too, does God continue to intervene in our lives today. The Feast of Purim stands not only as a commemoration of salvation but as a call to recognize and celebrate the ongoing deliverance God grants to His people. It prompts us to reflect on our own experiences of rescue and redemption, reminding us that God remains faithful in every circumstance, offering hope and protection in times of adversity. Let us renew our trust in God's providence and take comfort in His promise to deliver and sustain His people throughout all generations.

UNDERSTAND

• The Feast of Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
• Esther's boldness saved her people from annhilation.
• Mordecai’s faithfulness to God upset Haman, but in the end, Haman was hanged while Mordecai was honored.

REFLECT

• How does the story of Purim inspire trust in God's faithfulness in your life?
• How can celebrating or remembering the events that led to the celebration of Purim deepen your gratitude for God's protection and provision?
• In what ways does Purim encourage you to pray for others facing adversity?

ENGAGE

• Over time, Purim has become more of a national holiday than a religious one. The celebration of Purim includes reading the book (or megillah, meaning "scroll" in Hebrew) of Esther, giving gifts of food, giving to the needy, and enjoying a festive meal. Purim is also marked by joyous festivities, including dressing in costumes, making noise during the reading of the account, and communal celebrations. When the book of Esther is read, the audience cheers when Mordecai's name is mentioned and shouts when Haman's name is said. This idea of commemorating deliverance is also celebrated as a local Purim or personal Purim when a community or individual experiences a miraculous rescue.
• How does the historical context of Purim illustrate God's sovereignty and care for His people?
• How can the joyful customs of Purim encourage us to celebrate as we reflect on God's deliverance in our own lives?