Esther 9:31

Esther 9:31 marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Jewish feast of Purim, officially confirming its observance for generations to come. This verse highlights the collaborative efforts of Mordecai and Queen Esther in solidifying the annual commemoration of God's miraculous deliverance of His people from Haman's genocidal plot.

Context

Following the dramatic reversal of Haman's decree to annihilate the Jews throughout the Persian Empire, the Jews were granted permission to defend themselves (Esther 8:11). This led to a victorious defense on the 13th day of the month Adar, and a subsequent day of rest and feasting on the 14th (and 15th for those in Shushan). Mordecai had initially sent letters throughout the provinces, instructing the Jews to observe these two days annually with feasting, joy, and the sending of portions to one another and gifts to the poor. The people had already accepted this custom for themselves and their descendants (Esther 9:27). Verse 31 seals this commitment, adding the formal decree from both Mordecai and Esther, and notably including a remembrance of "the fastings and their cry," harking back to the period of intense prayer and repentance before their deliverance, such as Esther's call for a three-day fast.

Key Themes

• Confirmation of Divine Deliverance: The primary purpose of Purim, as confirmed here, is to perpetually remember God's faithfulness in protecting His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned in the book. It's a testament to God's sovereign hand working behind the scenes.
• Observance and Remembrance: The emphasis on confirming "these days... in their times appointed" underscores the importance of annual religious observances in preserving historical and spiritual memory. It's a call to never forget the mighty acts of God.
• Leadership and Authority: Mordecai the Jew and Esther the Queen, having been instrumental in the deliverance, now use their authority to establish a lasting tradition, demonstrating responsible leadership in the community.
• Solemnity in Celebration: The inclusion of "the matters of the fastings and their cry" alongside the feasting highlights a nuanced understanding of remembrance. It acknowledges that even in celebration, there is a place for recalling the desperation and humility that preceded the joy, and a continued dependence on God.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Purim" itself comes from the Hebrew word pur (פּוּר), meaning "lot," referring to the lot Haman cast (Esther 3:7) to determine the day for the Jews' destruction. This ironic naming serves as a constant reminder that what Haman intended for evil, God turned for good. The terms "enjoined" and "decreed" reflect the authoritative nature of the command, making the observance of Purim a binding and official tradition.

Practical Application

Esther 9:31 reminds believers today of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in their own lives. Just as the Jews were to remember their deliverance, we are called to recall God's interventions, His provision, and His protection. This verse encourages:

• Grateful Remembrance: Actively setting aside time to recall and celebrate God's past mercies.
• Passing on Faith: Establishing traditions and stories that convey God's work to future generations, ensuring they know their spiritual heritage.
• Balancing Joy and Humility: Recognizing that our moments of deliverance often follow periods of struggle and prayer, fostering a balanced perspective of celebration rooted in dependence on God.