Esther 9:27

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:27 records the profound and enduring commitment made by the Jewish people, their descendants, and all who would subsequently join their community, to perpetually observe the two days of Purim. This pivotal verse formally establishes an annual festival, ensuring that the miraculous divine deliverance from Haman's genocidal plot and the dramatic reversal of fortune would be commemorated across all generations and by all who identified with God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culminating legal and communal act in the establishment of the festival of Purim, following a narrative arc of existential threat and miraculous salvation. The preceding chapters detail Haman's wicked decree to annihilate the Jews, Esther's courageous intercession, and Mordecai's counter-decree, which empowered the Jews to defend themselves. The decisive victory over their enemies on the 13th of Adar, followed by feasting and gladness on the 14th and 15th, are detailed in [Esther 9:17-22](/esther/9-17-22 "Esther 9:17-22 - The Establishment of Purim"). Verse 27, along with the subsequent verses, formalizes this observance, emphasizing its perpetual nature and the communal adoption of this new tradition, thereby providing a foundational historical and theological anchor for the festival within the Jewish calendar.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Esther are set within the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). This period finds a significant portion of the Jewish people living in the diaspora, having remained in Persia after the Babylonian exile rather than returning to Judah. This context highlights their vulnerable status as a minority group within a dominant pagan empire, subject to the arbitrary power of officials like Haman. The casting of lots (*pur* in Hebrew) by Haman to determine the day of destruction ([Esther 3:7](/esther/3-7 "Esther 3:7 - Haman Casts Lots")) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for divination. The king's subsequent permission for the Jews to defend themselves, rather than passively face destruction, was an extraordinary act, reflecting a unique moment of royal favor and divine orchestration within a foreign land. The establishment of a new annual festival was a culturally recognized means of commemorating significant national events and ensuring their remembrance.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 9:27 powerfully encapsulates several core themes woven throughout the Book of Esther. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is paramount; though God's name is conspicuously absent from the text, His unseen hand orchestrates every detail, turning Haman's evil intent for destruction into salvation for His people (a theme echoed in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose")). Secondly, **Commemoration and Remembrance** are central, as the festival ensures that future generations will recall this pivotal deliverance, preventing the fading of historical memory and fostering ongoing gratitude. Thirdly, **Unity and Continuity of the Covenant Community** are underscored by the inclusion of "their seed" and "all such as joined themselves unto them" ([Esther 8:17](/esther/8-17 "Esther 8:17 - Many Become Jews")), illustrating the expansive and inclusive nature of God's people and the importance of transmitting faith traditions across generations. Lastly, the theme of **Reversal and Triumph** is vividly demonstrated, as a day intended for annihilation is transformed into a perpetual celebration of joy and victory, showcasing God's sovereign ability to turn sorrow into gladness ([Psalm 30:11](/psalm/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - Turning Mourning into Dancing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ordained (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, this verb signifies "to rise," "to establish," or "to confirm." In this context, it denotes a formal and binding decision, indicating that the Jews did not merely agree to observe Purim, but they actively and officially instituted it as a perpetual ordinance. It carries the weight of a communal resolution that is meant to be permanent and unchangeable, reflecting a deep, self-imposed commitment to the memory of their deliverance.
* **Took upon them (Hebrew, _qâbal'_):** From H6901, this verb means "to admit," "to take," or "to receive." It highlights the voluntary and willing embrace of this ordinance by the people. It signifies not an imposition, but a communal assent and acceptance, underscoring their active participation and personal responsibility in upholding the tradition. This voluntary acceptance demonstrates the depth of their gratitude and their collective desire to perpetuate the memory of God's saving act.
* **Should not fail (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this verb means "to cross over," and in this negative construction, "should not pass away" or "should not cease." This emphatic phrase underscores the intended permanence and inviolability of the Purim observance. It expresses a strong determination that this tradition would not be neglected, forgotten, or allowed to lapse through time. It speaks to the desire for an unbroken chain of remembrance, ensuring that the lessons and gratitude from this deliverance would continue through all future generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Jews ordained, and took upon them":** This opening clause establishes the agency and the nature of the commitment. It was a self-imposed, communal decision by the Jewish people themselves, not an external command from the king or a prophet. "Ordained" speaks to the formal institution and establishment of the festival, while "took upon them" emphasizes their voluntary and willing acceptance of this responsibility, signifying a deep, personal appropriation of the observance.
* **"and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them":** This expands the scope of the commitment beyond the immediate generation. "Their seed" explicitly includes all future descendants, ensuring generational continuity and the intergenerational transmission of faith. "All such as joined themselves unto them" refers to proselytes or converts to Judaism, highlighting the inclusive nature of the covenant community and the desire for this remembrance to extend to all who identify with God's people, regardless of their original lineage.
* **"so as it should not fail":** This phrase articulates the profound intent and determination behind the ordinance. It signifies an unwavering resolve that the observance of Purim would be perpetual, never to be neglected, forgotten, or abandoned. It underscores the profound importance of the event being commemorated and the collective desire for its memory to endure indefinitely, serving as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness.
* **"that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their [appointed] time every year;":** This specifies the content and regularity of the observance. "These two days" refers to the 14th and 15th of Adar, designated for feasting and joy. "According to their writing" likely refers to the letters Mordecai and Esther sent out, formalizing the decree and providing the authoritative basis for the observance. "According to their [appointed] time every year" emphasizes the annual, cyclical nature of the festival, reinforcing its perpetual and recurring observance as a fixed point in the Jewish calendar.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:27 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Commemoration**, as the entire purpose of the decree is to establish a lasting memory of God's miraculous deliverance. This is powerfully reinforced by the phrase "so as it should not fail," which acts as a strong statement of intent for perpetual remembrance and intergenerational transmission. There is also an element of **Covenant Language** in "took upon them, and upon their seed," echoing the patterns of covenant commitment found throughout the Old Testament, where responsibilities and blessings are passed down through generations, binding the community to God's past acts. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Legal Decree** or **Ordinance**, formalizing a new religious practice within the Jewish calendar, giving it authority and permanence. The underlying **Irony** of the festival's name, Purim (from *pur*, "lot"), which was Haman's chosen method for destruction, serves as a constant and poignant reminder of God's dramatic reversal of evil into good.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:27 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of remembrance as a cornerstone of faith and communal identity. Just as Israel was repeatedly commanded to remember the Exodus and God's covenant faithfulness, the establishment of Purim underscores the vital importance of recalling God's specific acts of salvation in history. This act of communal "ordaining" and "taking upon them" reflects a deep covenantal commitment, where the people willingly bind themselves and their descendants to a perpetual act of worship and thanksgiving for divine intervention. It powerfully demonstrates that even when God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the narrative, His providential hand is sovereignly at work, turning the malicious schemes of the wicked into opportunities for His glory and His people's deliverance. This commitment to remembrance is not merely nostalgic but is designed to cultivate ongoing faith, gratitude, and trust in God's unfailing faithfulness across generations, ensuring that the lessons of His power and grace are never forgotten.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalm/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Not Hiding from Our Children")
* [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Passover as a Perpetual Ordinance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:27 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the enduring importance of intentional remembrance and communal commitment. In a world prone to forgetfulness and the erosion of shared history, this verse challenges us to actively recall and celebrate God's faithfulness in our personal lives and in the collective history of the church. Just as the Jews committed to passing down the story of their miraculous deliverance, we are called to be diligent in sharing our testimonies of God's redemptive work with future generations, ensuring that the narrative of His grace and power "should not fail." This involves not only recounting past victories but also cultivating a spirit of gratitude that transforms adversity into occasions for joy and thanksgiving. It underscores that our faith is not merely individual but deeply communal, requiring collective effort to uphold traditions, biblical truths, and shared experiences that nourish the soul and strengthen the body of Christ for generations to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific acts of God's deliverance or faithfulness in your life, or in the history of the church, are you called to remember and celebrate more intentionally?**
* **How can you, both individually and communally, more intentionally "ordain" and "take upon yourselves" the practice of remembering God's goodness, ensuring it "should not fail" for future generations?**
* **In what ways can you turn moments of potential sorrow or adversity into opportunities for joy and thanksgiving, recognizing God's providential hand at work, even when it is unseen?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "all such as joined themselves unto them" in Esther 9:27?**

Answer: The phrase "all such as joined themselves unto them" (וְכָל־הַנִּלְוִים עֲלֵיהֶם, *v'khol ha-nilvim aleihem*) is highly significant as it demonstrates the inclusive and expansive nature of the Jewish community and the Purim observance. It refers to proselytes or Gentiles who, witnessing God's powerful deliverance and the favor shown to the Jews, chose to convert to Judaism and identify with the covenant people. [Esther 8:17](/esther/8-17 "Esther 8:17 - Many Become Jews") explicitly states that "many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them." This inclusion underscores that God's redemptive work extends beyond ethnic boundaries, welcoming all who choose to align themselves with His people and His purposes. It highlights the expansive nature of God's covenant and the communal aspect of faith, where new members are brought into the shared history and future of the people of God, participating in their blessings and responsibilities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 9:27, with its emphasis on the perpetual remembrance of a great deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The deliverance from Haman's plot, while miraculous and vital for the physical survival of God's people, was a temporal salvation from physical death. Christ, however, offers an eternal deliverance from the far greater enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Just as the Jews "ordained, and took upon them" the observance of Purim, believers in Christ "take upon them" the new covenant, sealed by His precious blood, through which we are saved and brought into an eternal relationship with God. The Passover, which profoundly foreshadowed Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate Paschal Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")), was a perpetual ordinance of remembrance, much like Purim. Now, the Lord's Supper serves as our perpetual feast of remembrance, where we "proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes" ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaim the Lord's Death")). The inclusion of "all such as joined themselves unto them" in Esther powerfully foreshadows the New Testament reality where, through Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, but all who believe are one in Him, forming a new spiritual Israel, the church ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). Christ's decisive victory on the cross ensures that the "seed" of Abraham (spiritual descendants) will never fail, and His deliverance is a "writing" that cannot be annulled, securing our salvation for all time through His perfect and eternal sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Purim, a shadow of a greater reality, points to the ultimate and eternal celebration of joy found in the finished work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and establishes an everlasting kingdom ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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;