Esther 9:26

KJV

Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore they called {H7121} these days {H3117} Purim {H6332} after the name {H8034} of Pur {H6332}. Therefore for all the words {H1697} of this letter {H107}, and of that which they had seen {H7200} concerning this matter {H3602}, and which had come {H5060} unto them,

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why these days have been called Purim, after the word pur. Thus, because of everything written in this letter, and what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had come upon them,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore these days are called Purim, from the word Pur. Because of all the instructions in this letter, and because of all they had seen and experienced,

American Standard Version

Wherefore they called these days Purim, after the name of Pur. Therefore because of all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and that which had come unto them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:26 serves as the pivotal declaration for the annual Jewish festival of Purim, explicitly stating that these commemorative days were named "Purim" after "Pur," the lot Haman cast to determine the day of Jewish annihilation. This verse underscores that the establishment of this festival was a direct and divinely orchestrated response to the official decree disseminated by Mordecai and Esther, as well as the profound eyewitness accounts and personal experiences of the miraculous deliverance that transformed a day of intended destruction into one of joyous celebration and decisive victory for the Jewish people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the narrative's climax within the Book of Esther, following the dramatic and comprehensive reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. The preceding chapters meticulously detail Haman's genocidal plot, his reliance on casting lots (`pur`) to set the date for the extermination, and Queen Esther's courageous and divinely guided intervention, which ultimately led to Haman's execution and the granting of the Jews' right to self-defense. [Esther 9:1-19](/esther/9-1-19 "Esther 9:1-19 - The Jews' Victory and Retribution") describes the Jews' successful defense against their enemies throughout the vast Persian Empire, effectively turning the tables on their persecutors. [Esther 9:20-22](/esther/9-20-22 "Esther 9:20-22 - Mordecai's Mandate for Purim") specifically outlines Mordecai's initial directive to establish an annual celebration, involving the sending of letters to all Jews to observe these days with feasting, joy, and the exchange of gifts. Therefore, [Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Naming of Purim") formally ratifies and explains the etymological and historical basis for the naming and perpetual observance of this newly instituted festival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events chronicled in the Book of Esther unfold during the reign of Ahasuerus (widely identified as Xerxes I, 486-465 BCE) over the sprawling Persian Empire, which extended from India to Ethiopia. During this period, Jewish communities were living in diaspora, a vulnerable minority within this powerful empire. The practice of casting lots (`pur`) was a common divination method throughout the ancient Near East, employed to ascertain fate, divine will, or auspicious times for significant undertakings. Haman's use of the `pur` in [Esther 3:7](/esther/3-7 "Esther 3:7 - Haman Casts Lots to Determine the Date") underscores his reliance on pagan superstition to orchestrate his malevolent plan. The subsequent issuance of royal decrees, such as the one Haman initially secured and the counter-decree issued by Mordecai and Esther ([Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The King's Second Decree")), constituted the primary method of governance and communication across the empire. The establishment of a new festival by official decree, commemorating a national deliverance, aligns perfectly with ancient practices of memorializing significant historical events through ritual and celebratory observances.
* **Key Themes:** [Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Naming of Purim") powerfully encapsulates several central themes woven throughout the Book of Esther. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, even in the conspicuous absence of God's explicit name from the entire book. The naming of Purim after Haman's `pur` ironically highlights God's hidden hand orchestrating events to turn Haman's evil intent into a means of salvation for His people. Secondly, it emphasizes **Remembrance and Commemoration**, establishing a perpetual reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and the Jews' miraculous deliverance from annihilation. The festival ensures that future generations would "never cease to remember" [this pivotal moment](/esther/9-28 "Esther 9:28 - Purim to be Remembered by All Generations"). Thirdly, the verse points to the dramatic **Reversal of Fortune**, a dominant motif in Esther. The very day chosen for destruction became a day of triumph, and the instrument of intended evil (the `pur`) became the namesake for a joyous celebration. This dramatic reversal stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over human schemes, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God's protective care for His covenant people, even when they are in exile and seemingly abandoned.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purim (Hebrew, _Pûwr'_):** The plural form of "Pur," which means "lot" or "die." The festival's name is an intentional, ironic reference to the very instrument Haman used to determine the date for the extermination of the Jews ([Esther 3:7](/esther/3-7 "Esther 3:7 - Haman Casts Lots")). By naming the celebration after the "lots," the Jewish people permanently enshrined the memory of Haman's wicked plot and, more importantly, God's dramatic reversal of that plot into their deliverance. It transforms a symbol of impending doom into a symbol of salvation and triumph.
* **Pur (Hebrew, _Pûwr'_):** A loanword, likely from Akkadian _pūru_ or Old Persian _pūr_, meaning "lot" or "die." This word is central to understanding the festival's origin. Haman cast the `pur` to find an "auspicious" day for his genocidal plan. The naming of the festival "Purim" (the plural of `pur`) serves as a permanent, ironic memorial to the fact that what Haman intended for evil, God used for good, turning the very instrument of his malevolence into a symbol of the Jews' salvation.
* **Letter (Hebrew, _ʼiggereth'_):** This term refers to the official written decree sent out by Mordecai and Esther, which formalized the observance of Purim ([Esther 9:20](/esther/9-20 "Esther 9:20 - Mordecai's Decree to Observe Purim")). This word highlights the legal and authoritative basis for the festival's establishment. The "words of this letter" signify the binding nature of the decree, ensuring that the commemoration would be observed annually across the vast Persian Empire, rooted in a formal, recognized mandate from the highest authorities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur."**: This clause directly explains the etymology of the festival's name. The "days" refer to the 14th and 15th of Adar, which were established as days of feasting and joy. The naming "Purim" (the plural of "Pur") is a deliberate, ironic memorial to Haman's casting of lots ("Pur") to determine the day of destruction. This act of naming solidifies the historical context and the dramatic reversal of fortune, transforming a symbol of doom into a perpetual reminder of divine deliverance.
* **"Therefore for all the words of this letter,"**: This phrase indicates that the decision to call these days Purim was made in accordance with the official decree or communication that had been sent out. "This letter" specifically refers to the missives dispatched by Mordecai to all the Jews, instructing them to observe these days annually ([Esther 9:20-22](/esther/9-20-22 "Esther 9:20-22 - Mordecai's Instructions for Purim")). It underscores the authoritative and widespread nature of the command to establish this festival, ensuring its observance across the vast Persian Empire.
* **"and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter,"**: This part emphasizes the experiential basis for the festival's establishment. "They had seen" refers to the eyewitness accounts and direct experience of the Jewish people regarding Haman's plot, the king's decrees, Esther's bravery, and the subsequent deliverance and victory over their enemies. The festival is not based on abstract theology but on tangible, historical events witnessed and profoundly felt by the entire community.
* **"and which had come unto them,"**: This final phrase reinforces the personal and collective impact of the events. "Which had come unto them" signifies the direct consequences and blessings that resulted from the divine intervention—the turning of sorrow into joy, mourning into feasting, and the salvation that personally touched each Jewish family. The festival is thus a celebration of a deliverance that was deeply felt and experienced by the entire community, transforming their lived reality.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Naming of Purim") and the broader narrative it references is **Irony**. The festival is named "Purim" after "Pur," the very lot Haman cast to determine the day of Jewish annihilation. This is a profound example of situational irony, where the instrument intended for destruction becomes the namesake for a celebration of deliverance. It highlights the complete **Reversal** of Haman's plans, a central and pervasive theme throughout the Book of Esther. The narrative itself functions as a **Historical Narrative**, meticulously recounting specific events that led to the establishment of a lasting tradition. The verse also employs a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** when referring to "the words of this letter," where the "letter" represents the entire authoritative decree and its contents, signifying the formal and binding nature of the Purim observance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Naming of Purim"), by formally establishing the festival of Purim, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over human history, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned within the text. The festival serves as a perpetual reminder of God's hidden hand at work, orchestrating events to protect His covenant people and to turn the schemes of evil into opportunities for deliverance and triumph. It teaches that divine providence is not always overtly miraculous but often operates through seemingly ordinary human actions, political maneuvering, and a series of "coincidences" that are too perfectly timed to be accidental. The naming of Purim after the "lot" (Pur) is a powerful theological statement: what was intended for evil, God transformed for good, demonstrating His ultimate authority over fate and human malice. This truth resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even in the face of immense threats and exile.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Plan")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Naming of Purim") invites us to recognize and celebrate the "Purim moments" in our own lives and in the collective history of God's people. Just as the Jewish community was called to remember and commemorate their miraculous deliverance, we are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude and active remembrance for God's faithfulness. This verse reminds us that even in circumstances where God's presence seems hidden or His hand unseen, He is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our ultimate good and His glory. It challenges us to trust implicitly in His sovereignty when facing adversity, knowing with certainty that He can turn our greatest fears into our greatest triumphs. The act of remembering and celebrating strengthens our faith, reinforces our understanding of God's unwavering character, and equips us to face future challenges with enduring hope, confident that His divine purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Purim moments" (times of unexpected deliverance or dramatic reversal of fortune) can you identify in your own life where God's hidden hand was undeniably evident?**
* **How does the story of Purim encourage you to trust God's sovereignty even when His presence feels distant or His activity seems unseen?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively remember and commemorate God's faithfulness in your daily life or within your faith community?**
* **How does the turning of Haman's evil lot into a celebration of joy inspire you to see God's redemptive power at work even in the most difficult or seemingly hopeless circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is the name of God not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, even though His providence is so evident?**

Answer: The absence of God's explicit name in the Book of Esther is a unique literary feature that actually amplifies the theme of divine providence. Rather than direct intervention or explicit divine decree, God's hand is seen through a series of "coincidences," human actions, and dramatic reversals that are too perfectly timed to be accidental. This literary choice emphasizes that God works powerfully and sovereignly even in seemingly secular or political spheres, orchestrating events behind the scenes. It teaches us to discern God's activity not just in overt miracles but also in the subtle, intricate tapestry of everyday life and historical events, reinforcing the idea that His presence is pervasive, even when unstated. The entire narrative, culminating in the establishment of Purim, serves as a powerful testament to His unwavering commitment to [His covenant people](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - God's Chosen People"), regardless of whether His name is invoked.

**What is the significance of the "lot" (Pur) in the naming of the festival?**

Answer: The "lot" (Hebrew: `pur`) was the instrument Haman used to determine the "auspicious" day for the planned extermination of the Jews ([Esther 3:7](/esther/3-7 "Esther 3:7 - Haman Casts Lots")). By naming the festival "Purim" (the plural of `pur`), the Jewish people intentionally highlighted the very means Haman employed to plot their destruction. This act of naming is profoundly ironic and symbolic. It transforms an instrument of intended evil into a perpetual reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and His ability to turn the enemy's schemes on their head. It underscores the complete reversal of fortune: what was meant for doom became the namesake for a joyous celebration of deliverance, demonstrating that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice or pagan superstition. It is a powerful testament to [God's ability to work all things for good](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Naming of Purim"), by commemorating a great deliverance through the festival of Purim, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the Jewish people were miraculously saved from physical annihilation by Haman's decree, humanity is saved from spiritual death and eternal separation by Christ's redemptive work on the cross. The "lot" (Pur) cast by Haman to determine destruction finds its ultimate reversal in the "lot" of humanity, which was destined for judgment but was transformed by Christ's sacrifice. He became the true "Pur" (lot) cast for us, willingly taking upon Himself the curse and judgment we deserved, so that we might receive life and salvation. The joy and feasting of Purim, celebrating freedom from a temporal enemy, point to the far greater and eternal joy of being liberated from sin, death, and the devil through Christ's decisive victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is our ultimate Mordecai and Esther, our great High Priest who continually intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")) and our King who has secured our eternal triumph. The annual remembrance of Purim finds its eternal fulfillment in the ongoing celebration of the new covenant, where believers feast on the spiritual provisions of Christ, remembering His body broken and blood shed for our salvation in the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Lord's Supper")). His deliverance is not merely from a physical threat but from the power of sin itself, offering eternal life and true freedom to all who believe in Him ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Esther 9:20

¶ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that [were] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, [both] nigh and far,

Ezekiel 39:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the [noses] of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call [it] The valley of Hamongog.

Numbers 16:40

[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.