Purim Established
Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to
all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have
them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar.
(Esther 9:20-21 NIV)
Itās a Party
Who doesnāt love a good party? In Chapter 9, we join
Godās people for a party, a celebration that commemorates Godās salvation of
the Jews from evil Haman. Named Purim, it still continues today as one of the
most joyous and festive celebrations on the Jewish calendar.
The word āpurimā means ālotsā in Hebrew. The festival derives its name from the lots Haman cast to determine the date he would carry out his evil scheme to massacre the Jews.
Mordecai established the festival of Purim to remind Godās people of what took place on those two days ā when God turned their sorrow into gladness and their mourning into feasting. The festival ensures that every generation not only recalls the terror, danger and turmoil their ancestors suffered, but also remembers how God faithfully delivered them.
This story makes us confront the harsh reality that one twisted man can implement and carry out a plan to exterminate an entire race of people. Haman was not the only one. There have been individuals before and since who have attempted to do the same. Itās within this context we need to understand the greatness of Godās intervention on behalf of His people. It was a reversal of epic proportions because it not only turned the tables on the enemies of the Jews, but God rewrote their story from near certain eradication to divine protection and salvation.
And, friend, their story is our story. Only we face an even greater enemy than Haman. It is the sin and death that came when Eve succumbed to Satanās temptation in the garden. But, God again stepped into the story. He sent His Son, Jesus, to set us free from sin and death.
But our Savior didnāt stop at setting us free. Hear Jesusā mission and call; let it soak deep into your soul. Jesus came āā¦ to proclaim good news to the poor ā¦ to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners ā¦ to comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve in Zion ā to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendorā (Isaiah 61:1-3).
And one day our Savior will return. On that great and glorious day, there will be no more killing, no more genocide, no more sorrow or pain because on that day, āat the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Fatherā (Philippians 2:10-11).
What a glorious day that will be!
The word āpurimā means ālotsā in Hebrew. The festival derives its name from the lots Haman cast to determine the date he would carry out his evil scheme to massacre the Jews.
Mordecai established the festival of Purim to remind Godās people of what took place on those two days ā when God turned their sorrow into gladness and their mourning into feasting. The festival ensures that every generation not only recalls the terror, danger and turmoil their ancestors suffered, but also remembers how God faithfully delivered them.
This story makes us confront the harsh reality that one twisted man can implement and carry out a plan to exterminate an entire race of people. Haman was not the only one. There have been individuals before and since who have attempted to do the same. Itās within this context we need to understand the greatness of Godās intervention on behalf of His people. It was a reversal of epic proportions because it not only turned the tables on the enemies of the Jews, but God rewrote their story from near certain eradication to divine protection and salvation.
And, friend, their story is our story. Only we face an even greater enemy than Haman. It is the sin and death that came when Eve succumbed to Satanās temptation in the garden. But, God again stepped into the story. He sent His Son, Jesus, to set us free from sin and death.
But our Savior didnāt stop at setting us free. Hear Jesusā mission and call; let it soak deep into your soul. Jesus came āā¦ to proclaim good news to the poor ā¦ to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners ā¦ to comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve in Zion ā to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendorā (Isaiah 61:1-3).
And one day our Savior will return. On that great and glorious day, there will be no more killing, no more genocide, no more sorrow or pain because on that day, āat the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Fatherā (Philippians 2:10-11).
What a glorious day that will be!
What does a typical Purim festival look like today?
Modern day Purim is more of a national holiday than a
religious festival. However, it does begin in the synagogue with the reading of
the Megilla (the scroll of Esther). Children, and even some adults, dress up as
their favorite character from the story of Esther. During the reading of the
story, the people will cheer at the mention of Mordecai and Esther. But, when
Hamanās name is spoken, they stomp and yell to blot out his name. Some say it
is done to remember the commandment from God to āblot out the name of
Amalekā (Exodus 17:14).
After the reading of the scroll, the celebration spills
out into streets and homes with parades, singing, dancing, costumes, eating and
the drinking of wine. But, in addition to the fun, Purim requires the people
give to charity ā¦ to at least two people. Everyone gives what they can, and
often more, reflecting the generosity God has extended to them.
Purim is a celebration of the triumph of justice. Still
today, especially during Purim, the Jews stand together against modern-day
Hamans, who threaten Israel and the entire Middle East with annihilation.
Be blessed and continue to be a
blessing!
Cheryl
Interesting. DO all Jewsish people celebrate this holiday or Devote Jewish people. How is it observed in America? The Purim holiday seems extremely significant -- almost like the emancipation proclamation or Juneteenth for many Black people. Since it is an old testament festival I wonder why Christians did not adopt this festival as part ofa Christian tradition as well? Just wondering out loud....
ReplyDeleteCan't edit = the word I wanted to use is Devout.
ReplyDelete