The Hebrew word ʼĂdâr, represented by H143, designates the 12th Hebrew month. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Esther. The name is of foreign derivation and is noted as perhaps meaning fire.
In the biblical narrative, Adar H143 is the setting for the dramatic climax of the book of Esther. It is identified as the twelfth H8147 month H2320, chosen by Haman H2001 through the casting of Pur H6332, or the lot H1486, as the time to destroy H8045, kill H2026, and cause to perish H6 all Jews H3064 (Esther 3:7, Esther 3:13). However, the events are turned H2015 to the contrary, and the thirteenth day of Adar becomes the day the Jews H3064 gain rule H7980 over their enemies H341 Esther 9:1. The month is transformed from a time of impending doom to one of deliverance and celebration, with the fourteenth and fifteenth days established for yearly observance Esther 9:21.
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Adar:
- H2320 chôdesh (month): This word, meaning the new moon or a month, is used in every instance where Adar is mentioned, firmly establishing it within the Hebrew calendar as the twelfth month Esther 3:7.
- H6332 Pûwr (a lot): The festival of Purim H6332 derives its name from this word. The lot H1486 was cast before Haman H2001 to determine the month and day for his planned annihilation of the Jews, which fell in Adar (Esther 3:7, Esther 9:24).
- H2015 hâphak (to turn about or over): This verb powerfully describes the central action of the story. The decree and the situation were turned H2015 on their head, so that what was intended for evil resulted in the victory of the Jews (Esther 9:1, Esther 9:22).
The theological weight of H143 is found entirely within the events of Esther.
- Sovereign Reversal: The story of Adar is a primary biblical example of sovereign reversal. A day appointed for destruction by a royal decree H1881 is turned H2015 into a day of victory for the Jews H3064 over those who hated H8130 them Esther 9:1.
- From Sorrow to Joy: The month becomes a symbol of God's deliverance, transforming a time of mourning H60 into a good day H2896 of gladness H8057 and feasting H4960 (Esther 9:17, Esther 9:22).
- Commemoration and Remembrance: The deliverance in Adar led to the establishment of the days of Purim H6332, so named for the lot H1486 cast by Haman. The celebration ensures that the memory of this event would not perish H5486 from their descendants (Esther 9:21, Esther 9:28).
In summary, while the word H143 ʼĂdâr is used only a few times, it marks a pivotal moment in biblical history. It is not merely the name of the twelfth month but a byword for the dramatic overturning of a genocidal plot. The events of Adar illustrate the themes of divine providence working through human action, the deliverance of God's people from their enemies, and the establishment of joyful remembrance for generations to come.
TRV