The Timeless Truths of Purim

 

Today, we will explore the annual Jewish celebration of Purim, which starts at sundown and commemorates the remarkable events recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther. While the Book of Esther never explicitly mentions God's name, it resounds with powerful theological truths about His sovereign providence, the consequences of wicked plots against His people, and the call to courage "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

The story opens in the Persian capital of Susa, where King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I) ruled over a vast empire stretching from India to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1). After dismissing his wife Vashti for disobedience, Ahasuerus selects a new queen - the Jewish orphan Esther, raised by her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:5-18). Meanwhile, the king promotes Haman the Agagite to a position of immense power and influence (Esther 3:1).

Mordecai's refusal to bow down to Haman ignites the vengeful noble's rage against all Jews (3:5-6). Haman misleads Ahasuerus into issuing a decree allowing the complete annihilation of the Jewish people on the 13th of Adar (3:8-15). As news of this genocidal edict spreads, "there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting" (4:3).

"For Such a Time as This"

Mordecai urgently appeals to Esther to courageously intervene before the king on behalf of her people (Esther 4:8). Esther's famous response captures the critical theme of being prepared and willing for pivotal moments in history:

"...And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 (ESV)

Despite the grave risk to her life, Esther resolves to boldly approach the king after fasting and prayer (4:16). Her courageous words to Mordecai resonate across ages: "I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish" (4:16).

The Sovereign Providence of God

Though God's name is not mentioned, His providential orchestration is subtly woven throughout the events. The Lord's unseen hand guides the circumstances to preserve His covenant people from the murderous scheme while vindicating the righteous and punishing the wicked.

A few examples illustrating God's hidden providence:

• Esther's rise to queenship (Esther 2:17)
• The king's insomnia leads to Mordecai's honor (Esther 6:1-11)
• Haman's wife Zeresh's fateful prediction of Haman's downfall (Esther 6:13)
• The stunning reversal where Haman's wicked plans backfire (Esther 9:1)

As the suffering Jews transitioned from sorrow to joy, the Purim celebration memorialized the truth that "the Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor" because "the LORD had turned for them their mourning into a feast" (Esther 9:22, 9:1).

The Consequences of Plotting Evil

The Book provides a sobering depiction of the grave dangers and catastrophic consequences of prideful arrogance, hatred, and murderous intent toward God's people. Haman embodied the sinister spirit of the Amalekites—implacable enemies committed to wiping out the Jewish nation (Exodus 17:16, Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Consumed by toxic pride and antipathy, Haman schemed to destroy the Jews to satisfy his ravenous ego and anti-Semitic bigotry. However, his evil machinations resulted in his own gruesome execution on the very gallows intended for Mordecai (7:10).

The full gravity of Haman's treacherous plot is laid bare in his shocking confession to Esther:

"For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated." Esther 7:4 (ESV)

Ultimately, Haman's wicked agenda reflected the spiritual conflict between the "seed of the serpent" and the "offspring of the woman" foretold in Genesis 3:15. His vicious pogrom foreshadowed future anti-Semitic atrocities like the Holocaust, rooted in satanic genocidal hatred against the Jews—the human race from which the Messiah would come.

The Lessons for "Such a Time as This"

As we reflect on Purim's miraculous events, eternal truths emanate with profound relevance for our present era:

1. God is Sovereignly Working Out His Eternal Plan. Just as God's providential hand guided events in Esther's day, we can trust that He remains in full control, orchestrating circumstances to ultimately fulfill His redemptive purposes in our times. His kingdom will prevail despite opposition.
2. Courage is Required in Decisive Moments Like Esther, we are summoned to courageous engagement during pivotal cultural moments and crises. Though exercising such bold faith risks reproach or peril, we must not shrink back but step forward when duty calls for "such a time as this."
3. Stand Against Anti-Semitism and Defend God's People Christian faithfulness and theology demand solidarity with the Jewish people and vigilant opposition against the ancient and resurgent evil of anti-Semitism. We must expose its pernicious lies, denounce its hateful conspiracies, and defend God's beloved covenant people.
4. Humble Reliance on God's Power Esther and Mordecai confronted an existential threat through fasting, prayer, and God's supernatural intervention. Likewise, we dare not rely on human resources alone but must fervently seek heaven's aid for the immense spiritual battles before us.
5. Model Sacrificial Courage Like Esther In a culture of comfort and compromise, Esther's willingness to sacrifice her life if needed to save her people shines as an inspiring model of selfless courage for us to emulate—in whatever sphere we are called.
6. Beware the Destructive Perils of Pride and Hatred Haman's downfall warns of pride's corrupting dangers and hatred's toxic bitterness, which inevitably breed merciless cruelty and self-destruction. We must resist these sinful dispositions and tendencies through humility and love.

The Purim narrative enshrined in the Book of Esther encapsulates ageless spiritual verities echoing across millennia. From beginning to end, we discern God's providential authority to overturn humanity's darkest schemes against His covenanted purposes. His power transcends empires and their rulers to preserve His chosen people for His greater redemptive plan.

The timeless message of Esther challenges God's people in every era to embrace courage, keep watch, voice truth, and act selflessly when summoned for "such a time as this." No matter the difficulty or risk, we can trust that the same Sovereign Lord who delivered the Jews in ancient Persia will see us through our decisive moments in fidelity to Him.

Ultimately, Purim foreshadows the greater deliverance secured through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ—the fulfillment of the promises and Messianic hopes reflected through this pivotal historical account. In Him, the seed of the woman crushes the serpent's head, triumphing over hatred, evil, and death itself for all who take refuge in the eternal purposes of the Sovereign King.

The Persian Word "Pur" 

The name "Purim" originates from the Persian word "pur" which means "lot." This word plays a pivotal role in the biblical account of Esther and the origins of this joyous Jewish festival.

In the Book of Esther 3:7, we read that Haman "cast pur or 'cast lots' to choose a day for destroying the Jews." The dastardly Haman superstitiously cast these lots or "purim" to determine what he considered an auspicious day to carry out his genocidal scheme against the Jewish people throughout the Persian empire.

Little did Haman realize that his wicked plans launched through these ominous "lots" would ultimately backfire in a dramatic reversal orchestrated by divine providence. Instead of destroying the Jews on the 13th of Adar as intended, the narrative records Haman's downfall and the Jews' celebration of victory over their would-be annihilators on that very day.

To commemorate this miraculous deliverance, the festival of Purim was instituted. It memorialized how "the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday" (Esther 9:22).

Purim Traditions and Celebrations

The joyous celebration of Purim continues to this day among Jewish communities worldwide, observed on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. The primary Purim traditions include:

Public Readings of the Book of Esther

At synagogue services, the entire Book of Esther (the Megillah) is read aloud to celebratory rejoicing and booing/noisemaking whenever Haman's name is mentioned. Children often use graggers (noisemakers) to drown out Haman's name with joyful sounds. While the audience cheers everytime the hero Mordecai's name is mentioned.

Purim Plays/Parodies (Purim-shpils)

Light-hearted plays, parodies, and comedy roasts have long been part of the Purim festivities, poking fun at self-important or oppressive figures through satire and mockery.

Charitable Giving (Matanot La'Evyonim)

Acts of charity and giving food/provisions to the needy are an important Purim mitzvah to ensure the poor can partake in the day's rejoicing.

Exchanging Food Gifts (Mishloach Manot)

Baskets of wine, baked goods, and other treats are exchanged as goodwill gestures among Jewish families, friends, and neighbors.

Lavish feasts and merrymaking cap off the Purim celebrations. Snacking on hamantash or hamantashen, a triangular filled-pocket pastry associated with the holiday of Purim. The name refers to Haman, the villain in the Purim story. In Hebrew, hamantashen are also known as אוזני המן (oznei Haman), meaning "Haman's ears". "Haman's ears." Public carnivals with costumes, plays, and parties often accompany the revelry.

Christian Connections to Purim

While Purim is primarily observed within Judaism, many Christians also commemorate this biblical feast in various ways:

• Purim is an important anniversary highlighting God's providential care for His people and the survival of the Jewish nation through which the Messiah would come.
• A reminder to stand against anti-Semitism like the pernicious hatred embodied by the villainous Haman. Christians are called to be voices for truth and supporters of the Jewish people.
• Celebrations involving readings from the Book of Esther, enjoyment of traditional foods like hamantaschen pastries, costume parties, attending synagogue Purim events, and supporting Jewish causes.
• Contemplating how the Purim story prefigures the ultimate deliverance secured through Christ's victory over sin, death, and evil opposition to God's purposes.
• Praising God's sovereign wisdom in using the seemingly random "casting of lots" (purim) to bring about the downfall of wickedness and the redemption of His covenant people.
• Purim serves as an alternative holiday to Halloween or All Hallow's Eve for Christians, allowing their children to dress up in costumes with a Biblical theme.

From its origins in Persia to the present day, the name "Purim," linked to the symbolic lots cast by the evil Haman, is a perpetual celebration of God's power to orchestrate events according to His redemptive will. The shrill cries of Jewish children drowning out Haman's name audibly proclaim the age-old truth that the purposes of the Almighty cannot be thwarted by any malevolent schemes against His people and covenanted promises.