Esther 9:19

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Therefore the Jews {H3064} of the villages {H6521}, that dwelt {H3427} in the unwalled {H6519} towns {H5892}, made {H6213} the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} of the month {H2320} Adar {H143} a day of gladness {H8057} and feasting {H4960}, and a good {H2896} day {H3117}, and of sending {H4916} portions {H4490} one {H376} to another {H7453}.

This is why the Jews of the villages, those who live in unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month of Adar a day for celebrating and rejoicing, a holiday and a time for sending each other portions [of food].

This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.

Therefore do the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Commentary

Context of Esther 9:19

This verse describes the joyous aftermath of a dramatic reversal of fortune for the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. Following Haman's malicious decree to annihilate all Jews, and Mordecai and Esther's courageous intervention, the Jews were granted permission to defend themselves. On the 13th day of the twelfth month, Adar, they successfully prevailed over their enemies. While the Jews in the capital city of Susa fought for two days (the 13th and 14th) and rested on the 15th, this verse specifically addresses the Jews living in the "unwalled towns" or villages. Having completed their self-defense on the 13th, they immediately dedicated the 14th day to celebration, setting the precedent for the annual observance of Purim.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Joy and Celebration: The verse emphasizes "gladness and feasting," highlighting the profound relief and joy felt by the Jewish community after being spared from destruction. It was a day to rejoice in God's faithfulness and their deliverance.
  • Deliverance and Reversal: The day of intended mourning and death was transformed into a day of celebration and life. This speaks to the overarching theme of divine providence in the Book of Esther, where circumstances are dramatically turned around for the good of God's people.
  • Community and Sharing: The instruction of "sending portions one to another" underscores the importance of communal solidarity and generosity. This act of sharing food gifts (known as mishloach manot in Hebrew) fostered unity and ensured that all, including the poor, could partake in the celebration. This practice is further elaborated upon in the formal establishment of Purim.
  • Remembrance: By establishing this day as an annual feast, the Jews ensured that future generations would remember God's miraculous intervention and the salvation He provided.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sending portions one to another" (Hebrew: mishloach manot) is a significant element of the Purim celebration. It signifies the act of sending gifts of food and drink to friends, family, and neighbors. This practice, along with giving gifts to the poor (matanot la'evyonim, mentioned in Esther 9:22), forms a core part of the holiday's observance, emphasizing charity, community, and sharing the joy of the deliverance.

Practical Application

Esther 9:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Celebrate God's Deliverance: Just as the Jews celebrated their rescue, we are called to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives, acknowledging His hand in turning difficult situations into victories.
  • Embrace Community and Generosity: The act of "sending portions" reminds us of the importance of sharing our blessings, fostering community, and caring for those in need. True joy is often found in generosity and communal celebration.
  • Remember and Give Thanks: This verse encourages us to establish practices of remembrance and gratitude for God's past mercies, ensuring that His works are not forgotten and continue to inspire faith.
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Cross-References

  • Esther 8:17 (5 votes)

    And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

  • Deuteronomy 16:14 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] within thy gates.

  • Revelation 11:10 (4 votes)

    And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

  • Nehemiah 8:10 (4 votes)

    Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

  • Nehemiah 8:12 (4 votes)

    And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

  • Esther 9:22 (4 votes)

    As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

  • Deuteronomy 16:11 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.