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Esther and Purim Again
Esther and Purim Again
The book of Esther is indeed a different book. While it is part of our Bible, God is never mentioned in the book. Thus, Breneman wrote: “The purpose of the Book of Esther is twofold: (1) to demonstrate God’s providential care of his people, even those outside the land of Israel, and (2) to commend the observance of the Feast of Purim by relating how it originated (9:24–28)”1
The ESV Study Bible gives this short note on the purpose of the book:
“As its content makes clear, Esther was written to explain the origin of the Feast of Purim and to ensure that it would be observed by all future generations of the Jewish people (9:28). It is also clear that it has achieved this purpose, since Jews have continued to observe Purim to the present day, with the book of Esther being read as part of the festivities.
The word Purim is derived from the Persian word pur (“lot”) and recalls how Haman, the enemy of the Jews, cast lots to determine the best day to carry out his plan to exterminate them (3:7). Of all the Jewish festivals, Purim is the most secular in flavor, and one of the most joyful. These days it is normally celebrated on only one day, the fourteenth of Adar (in February/March), preceded by a day of fasting. Children are given gragers (rattles) so that, when the story of Esther is read, they can make a loud noise to drown out the name of the wicked Haman whenever it occurs. Other festivities include exchanging presents, giving food parcels to the poor, performing Purim plays, and wearing costumes. In Israel, a Purim carnival is held. It has become a celebration, not just of the deliverance experienced in the days of Esther and Mordecai, but of the amazing survival of the Jewish people for thousands of years in spite of persecution and hardship.” 2
Let us learn to trust God in the worst of times while using our lives to doing good at every opportunity.
Hugh DeLong
1 [Mervin Breneman, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, New American Commentary, Broadman & Homan Publishers, pg. 289]
2 [English Standard Study Bible, Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, Illinois, pg. 849]
