### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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