Esther 9

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Esther 9:29-32, So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance—  to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation.  Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.

The new decree, written by Esther and Mordecai, allowed the Jewish people a specific day on which to attack their enemies, the 13th of the Jewish month Adar.  As you read through chapter 9, you find that is exactly what occurred.  The Jewish men assembled and killed thousands of their enemies.  Then, on the following day, they rested and feasted.  As we see in today’s focus verses, this was the beginning of an annual celebration for the Jews called Purim.  Purim means “lots” in ancient Persian. The holiday was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his evil scheme.

Purim is still celebrated among devout Jews.  On the eve of Purim, they read the book of Esther and then do so again on the following day.  There is also much gift-giving.  They are to send monetary gifts to at least two poor people and then two food gifts to at least one other person.  There is also much feasting and celebrating.

I have to admit when I first read about this, it sounded a bit gory.  Are they really celebrating the death of all those people?  But I had to reframe it.  The Jews had been oppressed.  They had received a death sentence.  And then, they were freed from it.  They had the ability to protect their families.  They knew God was with them.  This was worthy of celebration.

Let’s pray…We thank you, God, for the ways in which you protect us.  We are grateful and thankful.  In Your Name, Amen.