Esther 9:22

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.

As the days {H3117} wherein the Jews {H3064} rested {H5117} from their enemies {H341}, and the month {H2320} which was turned {H2015} unto them from sorrow {H3015} to joy {H8057}, and from mourning {H60} into a good {H2896} day {H3117}: that they should make {H6213} them days {H3117} of feasting {H4960} and joy {H8057}, and of sending {H4916} portions {H4490} one {H376} to another {H7453}, and gifts {H4979} to the poor {H34}.

[to commemorate] the days on which the Jews obtained rest from their enemies and the month which for them was turned from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; they were to make them days of celebrating and rejoicing, sending portions [of food] to each other and giving gifts to the poor.

as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.

as the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Commentary

Esther 9:22 describes the establishment of the Jewish festival of Purim, commemorating the dramatic deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation in the Persian Empire.

Context

This verse concludes a pivotal narrative in the book of Esther. Following Haman's plot to destroy all Jews (see Esther 3:13), and Queen Esther and Mordecai's courageous intervention, King Ahasuerus issued a counter-decree empowering the Jews to defend themselves (as detailed in Esther 8:11). On the 13th day of the twelfth month (Adar), the day Haman had originally chosen by lot (pur) for their destruction, the Jews successfully defended themselves against their enemies. The 14th and 15th days became days of rest and celebration. Verse 22, along with subsequent verses, formalizes the observance of these days as an annual festival, transforming a day of potential sorrow into one of profound joy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Reversal: The central theme is the miraculous turning of events from impending doom to triumphant victory. What was meant for evil was turned into good, showcasing God's active, though often unseen, hand in history. This echoes the concept of God working all things together for good for His people.
  • Joy and Celebration: The verse emphasizes a profound shift "from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day." This highlights that celebration, feasting, and gladness are appropriate responses to divine rescue and blessing.
  • Community and Charity: The prescribed customs of "sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor" underscore the communal aspect of the celebration and the importance of sharing one's blessings, especially with those less fortunate. This act of giving is a powerful expression of gratitude and solidarity, reflecting principles found elsewhere in Scripture, such as Proverbs 19:17.
  • Remembrance and Commemoration: By establishing these days as an annual observance, the Jewish people were commanded to remember God's faithfulness and their incredible deliverance for generations to come. The festival was ultimately named Purim, from the Hebrew word pur, meaning "lot" (see Esther 9:26).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "turned unto them from sorrow to joy" (Hebrew: ื ึถื”ึฐืคึทึผืšึฐ ืœึธื”ึถื ืžึดื™ึธึผื’ื•ึนืŸ ืœึฐืฉึดื‚ืžึฐื—ึธื”, nehpakh lahem miyagon lesimchah) powerfully conveys a complete reversal of fortune. It's not just a lessening of sadness, but a fundamental transformation into gladness. Similarly, "from mourning into a good day" reinforces this radical shift, emphasizing a transition from lamentation and despair to a day of goodness and prosperity.

Practical Application

Esther 9:22 reminds believers today that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable threats or despair, God's providence can bring about a complete turnaround. It encourages us to:

  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Reflect on past deliverances and acknowledge God's hand in turning difficult situations into victories.
  • Embrace Joy: Allow joy and gratitude to be a natural and intentional response to divine blessing, even after periods of struggle.
  • Practice Generosity: Share our blessings with others, particularly those in need, as an act of worship and an extension of God's grace.
  • Celebrate Deliverance: Find ways to commemorate significant moments of God's intervention in our lives, fostering a spirit of thankfulness and hope.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 30:11 (6 votes)

    Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

  • Isaiah 12:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

  • Isaiah 12:2 (3 votes)

    Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

  • Isaiah 14:3 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,

  • Galatians 2:10 (3 votes)

    Only [they would] that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

  • Esther 9:19 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 2:44 (2 votes)

    And all that believed were together, and had all things common;