The Feast of Purim: A Celebration of Deliverance

The annual observance of Purim stands as a vibrant testimony to God’s miraculous intervention for His people. Rooted in the historical narrative recorded in the Book of Esther, Purim is not merely a cultural festivity but a profound celebration of divine deliverance from utter annihilation. It commemorates the day when the tables were turned on the enemies of the Jews, transforming a decree of destruction into a day of joyous triumph and remembrance. This feast serves as a perpetual reminder that even when God's name is not explicitly mentioned, His sovereign hand is always at work, orchestrating events for the preservation and blessing of His chosen remnant.

The Historical Context: Persia Under Ahasuerus

The events leading to Purim unfold in the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, generally identified with Xerxes I. His dominion stretched from India to Ethiopia, encompassing one hundred and seven and twenty provinces. The story begins with a royal feast and the subsequent dethronement of Queen Vashti, paving the way for a young Jewish orphan named Hadassah, known as Esther, to rise to prominence. Unbeknownst to the king and his court, Esther was a Jew, a secret kept under the wise counsel of her cousin and guardian, Mordecai. This seemingly random sequence of events was, in fact, God's meticulous preparation for the impending crisis that would threaten His people's existence.

Haman's Wicked Plot: The Decree of Annihilation

Into this setting steps Haman, an Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekites, a long-standing enemy of Israel. Elevated to a position of immense power by King Ahasuerus, Haman demanded obeisance from all. However, Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow or pay him reverence, citing his allegiance to God alone. This act of defiance ignited Haman's wrath, not just against Mordecai, but against his entire people. In his vengeful pride, Haman cast lots (pur) to determine an auspicious day for the massacre of all Jews throughout the empire. He then cunningly persuaded the king to issue a decree, sealed with the king's ring, authorizing the slaughter of Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, and the confiscation of their property.

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.

Esther 3:8-9

Esther's Courage and Mordecai's Wisdom

Upon learning of the dreadful decree, Mordecai tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and cried with a loud and bitter cry. He sent word to Esther, urging her to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Esther initially hesitated, knowing the strict law that anyone approaching the king unbidden faced death, unless the golden sceptre was extended to them. Mordecai's powerful retort, however, served as a divine call to action:

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

Inspired by this profound challenge, Esther bravely resolved to act, famously declaring, "if I perish, I perish." She called for all Jews in Shushan to fast with her for three days, demonstrating a spirit of corporate prayer and reliance on God. Her courage, coupled with Mordecai's strategic wisdom, set in motion the chain of events that would ultimately dismantle Haman's plot.

God's Providential Hand: Reversal of Fortune

The narrative of Esther is remarkable for the absence of God's explicit name, yet His providential hand is undeniably evident throughout. It is no coincidence that the king suffered a sleepless night and requested the chronicles of his kingdom to be read. It was then discovered that Mordecai had previously saved the king's life by uncovering a plot, an act for which he had not been rewarded. This divine timing led to Haman being forced to honor Mordecai publicly, a humiliation that foreshadowed his downfall. Esther, through two strategically planned banquets, exposed Haman's wicked intentions directly to the king. The king's fury, once directed at Vashti, now turned upon Haman. The gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai became his own instrument of execution.

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Esther 7:10

Although the initial decree signed by the king could not be revoked, a new decree was issued, empowering the Jews to defend themselves against any who would attack them on the appointed day. This reversal of fortune, from certain doom to triumphant self-defense, powerfully testifies to God's ability to turn curses into blessings and evil intentions into good.

The Institution of Purim: A Perpetual Memorial

Following their victorious defense against their enemies, Mordecai and Esther established the Feast of Purim as an annual commemoration of this great deliverance. The name "Purim" itself is derived from the "pur," or lot, that Haman cast to determine the day of destruction, transforming an instrument of evil into a symbol of God's overturning power. The decree mandated that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city. It was to be a time of feasting and joy, sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

And Mordecai sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Esther 9:22

Purim is a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant people, ensuring their survival against all odds, even when their faith seemed dormant or tested.

Spiritual Lessons from Purim

The narrative of Purim is replete with profound spiritual lessons for believers today:

God's Sovereignty and Providence: The most striking lesson is God's unseen, yet undeniable, hand at work. Though His name is not mentioned, His control over seemingly random events – a sleepless night, a forgotten good deed, Esther's beauty and favor – demonstrates His meticulous orchestration for His purposes. He works through ordinary people and circumstances to accomplish extraordinary deliverance.

Courage and Obedience: Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people, prompted by Mordecai’s bold challenge, exemplifies true courage born of faith. It reminds us that God often calls us to step out in faith, even when circumstances seem daunting, trusting that He will honor our obedience.

The Danger of Pride and Envy: Haman's character serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of pride, envy, and hatred. His obsession with Mordecai's refusal to bow led him to concoct a genocidal plot, ultimately resulting in his own humiliating downfall. "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

The Importance of Remembering God's Deliverance: The institution of Purim as a perpetual feast underscores the biblical emphasis on remembrance. God commands His people to remember His mighty acts of deliverance, not just for historical accuracy, but to foster gratitude, strengthen faith, and pass on spiritual heritage to future generations.

Celebrating Purim Today: A Joyful Remembrance

Today, Purim continues to be celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Jewish communities worldwide. The traditional observances include:

The Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther): Public readings of the entire Book of Esther, often accompanied by boisterous noise (graggers) whenever Haman's name is mentioned, symbolizing the blotting out of his name.
Sending Mishloach Manot (Portions): Exchanging gifts of food and drink with friends and neighbors, fostering unity and communal joy.
Matanot La'Evyonim (Gifts to the Poor): Giving charity to at least two needy individuals, fulfilling the commandment to remember the poor and extend compassion.
Seudat Purim (Festive Meal): A celebratory feast, often accompanied by merriment and sometimes even dressing in costumes.

These practices reinforce the themes of unity, charity, and joyful celebration of God's enduring faithfulness. For Christians, Purim offers a profound reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ability to deliver them from insurmountable odds. It points forward to the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ, who, like Esther, interceded for His people, offering His life to save them from spiritual death.

Conclusion

The Feast of Purim, as detailed in the Book of Esther, is far more than an ancient historical account; it is a vibrant testament to the living God who actively intervenes in human history. It reminds us that even when His presence seems hidden, His sovereign hand is guiding, protecting, and delivering His people. The story of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman serves as a timeless narrative of courage, divine providence, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. As we reflect on Purim, we are called to remember God's faithfulness, to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, and to trust in His unfailing power to deliver us from all adversaries, both seen and unseen. It is indeed a celebration of deliverance, echoing the eternal truth that the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and His purposes shall stand.