Esther 9:27

The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their [appointed] time every year;

The Jews {H3064} ordained {H6965}, and took {H6901} upon them, and upon their seed {H2233}, and upon all such as joined {H3867} themselves unto them, so as it should not fail {H5674}, that they would keep {H6213} these two {H8147} days {H3117} according to their writing {H3791}, and according to their appointed time {H2165} every year {H8141}{H8141};

the Jews resolved and took upon themselves, their descendants and all who might join them that without fail they would observe these two days in accordance with what was written in [this letter] and at the appointed time, every year;

the Jews bound themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should not fail to celebrate these two days at the appointed time each and every year, according to their regulation.

the Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so that it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to the writing thereof, and according to the appointed time thereof, every year;

Esther 9:27 marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, establishing the annual festival of Purim. This verse records the solemn commitment made by the Jewish people, their descendants, and even those who converted to Judaism, to perpetually observe these two days of celebration. It underscores the profound impact of God's deliverance and the community's resolve to never forget it.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of a dramatic reversal of fortune. Haman, a high official in the Persian Empire, had plotted to annihilate all Jews within the kingdom, casting lots (pur) to determine the opportune day for their destruction (Esther 3:7). However, through the courageous intervention of Queen Esther and the wisdom of Mordecai, God providentially turned the tables. Instead of being destroyed, the Jews were granted permission to defend themselves, leading to a great victory over their enemies. The "two days" mentioned refer to the 14th and 15th of the month Adar, designated for feasting and gladness (Esther 9:22).

Key Themes

  • Commemoration and Remembrance: The primary purpose of this decree was to ensure that future generations would remember God's mighty deliverance from Haman's genocidal plot. It emphasizes the importance of preserving historical memory of divine intervention.
  • Divine Providence: Although the name of God is notably absent from the Book of Esther, His hand is unmistakably present throughout the events. The establishment of Purim serves as a testament to His unseen but powerful orchestration of events for His people's salvation.
  • Unity and Continuity: The commitment extends not only to "them" (the contemporary Jews) but also "upon their seed" and "all such as joined themselves unto them." This highlights the communal nature of faith and the desire for the tradition to be faithfully passed down through generations, welcoming proselytes into the covenant community (Esther 8:17).
  • Joy in Reversal: What was intended as a day of sorrow and destruction was transformed into a perpetual celebration of joy, feasting, and gladness, underscoring the triumph of light over darkness.

Linguistic Insights

The name of the festival, Purim, itself comes from the Hebrew word pur (פּוּר), meaning "lot." This ironic naming serves as a powerful reminder of Haman's original intention to determine the day of destruction by lot, which God then used to bring about salvation for His people. This highlights the theme of divine reversal.

Practical Application

Esther 9:27 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Just as the Jews committed to remembering their deliverance, we are called to remember and recount God's faithfulness in our own lives and in history. This builds faith and trust in His ongoing providence.
  • Celebrate Victories: It encourages us to acknowledge and celebrate the specific ways God has delivered us from adversity, turning potential sorrow into joy.
  • Communal Commitment: The verse speaks to the importance of communal faith and the shared responsibility of passing down spiritual heritage to future generations, ensuring that the stories of God's work "should not fail."
  • God Works in Unseen Ways: Even when God's presence feels hidden or His name is not explicitly mentioned, He is actively at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of those who trust in Him. This provides comfort and hope in uncertain times.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 56:6

    Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

  • Zechariah 2:11

    And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

  • Esther 8:17

    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.

  • Isaiah 56:3

    ¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Deuteronomy 5:3

    The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, [even] us, who [are] all of us here alive this day.

  • Deuteronomy 29:14

    Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back