I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. - Psalm 77:11
Good morning. I am so happy to see you here in the Lord’s house to worship Him today. As you know, we have been studying through the book of Esther for the past few months. My prayer is that these messages have not only improved your knowledge and understanding of this book, but also challenged you - as they have me - to live more boldly for Christ!
At the conclusion of last week’s sermon, the day of Haman’s evil plan to slaughter the Jews finally arrived. Jews throughout Persia gathered to defend themselves and, by God’s strength, they were victorious over their enemies. When the conflict ended, they celebrated their success both in the city of Susa and across the numerous provinces.
This morning’s message is titled “The Feast of Purim Is Established”. In it we will discover and discuss how Mordecai and Esther officially founded this holiday for the Jews. We will also consider how Jewish people celebrate Purim today.
I. THE HOLIDAY’S LENGTH (v20-22)
Mordecai wrote down the events that had taken place so that they wouldn’t be forgotten. He also sent letters to all 127 provinces in the Persian Empire which instructed the Jews to recognize the 14th and 15th days of Adar as an annual holiday. Each year they were to remember and celebrate how the LORD had delivered them from Haman’s wicked scheme, given them rest from their enemies, and turned their sorrow into joy. They were to feast with gladness, send portions of food to each other, and give gifts to the poor.
As stated in the opening message of this series, it is uncertain who wrote the book of Esther. However, if Mordecai was the author or coauthor, which is quite possible, his writings might be the very words we have been reading over the past several weeks. He directed this holiday to be observed for 2 days, because (as we read last Sunday) the Jews in the provinces had celebrated on the 14th while those in Susa fought an extra day and celebrated on the 15th.
II. THE HOLIDAY’S NAME (v23-28)
The Jews were delighted to comply with Mordecai’s letter and make this an annual holiday. Haman had devised to completely destroy the Jews and had cast Pur, or the lot, to determine the exact date of their demise. But Haman’s genocidal plan had been foiled and he and his 10 sons had been hanged on the gallows. Therefore, the Jews called this holiday Purim in recognition of the Pur that Haman had cast. They made it a permanent holiday, the 14th and 15th days of Adar, to be celebrated every year throughout the coming generations.
The name Purim is a reminder that God is sovereign over time and the events that take place. Haman had cast Pur or lots to determine which day would be best to execute his evil plan. This was an act of chance. But with God, there is no such thing as chance. He is not random, but intentional and deliberate. Everything that happens is either because God caused it or allowed it to occur. Nothing happens without His foreknowledge and permission. The name Purim highlights this irony. What Haman had planned for evil against the Jewish people, God turned into salvation!
III. THE HOLIDAY’S AFFIRMATION (v29-32)
Queen Esther, with Mordecai’s assistance, wrote a 2nd letter to officially affirm and authorize the observance of Purim. Her letter was also sent to Jews living in all of the numerous provinces throughout the Persian Empire. It echoed the words of Mordecai’s letter, but apparently included instructions about making fasting and prayer an essential part of the annual celebration. Esther’s declaration legally established Purim and it was written in the book, perhaps referring to the royal archives or chronicles.
Whenever I think of Esther and Mordecai, it reminds me of Deborah and Barak (Judges 4). Deborah was the 4th judge of Israel. She encouraged Barak to lead the armies of Israel against the forces of Canaan. Barak was afraid, but agreed to do so with Deborah’s support. Together they led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. Like Deborah and Barak, Esther and Mordecai were a team who worked together to accomplish the deliverance of God’s people.
IV. THE HOLIDAY’S CELEBRATION
Since the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews have celebrated Purim every year. This tradition has endured for almost 2,500 years. The Jewish people still observe Purim to this very day. In fact, Purim is regarded by many as the most fun and joyful of all the Jewish holidays. Some liken its festive nature to Mardi Gras, although these 2 holidays have very different meanings and origins. Below are some of the ways in which Purim is celebrated today:
On the day before Purim begins (the 13th day of Adar), many Jews fast and pray to memorialize the 3 days of fasting and prayer that took place prior to Esther’s appearance before the king. They also make donations to charities or give to the less fortunate, in keeping with Mordecai’s command to do so.
On the 14th day of Adar, the story of Esther is read aloud in synagogues and homes throughout Israel. This is the main emphasis of Purim. Many Jews dress up in costumes as a way of symbolizing how Esther concealed her Jewish identity. Grand parades and street parties are held in the major cities. Bountiful feasts are conducted and portions of the food, treats, and so forth are given to family and friends. Small triangular pastries (or cookies) called Hamantaschen are an iconic holiday favorite. They are designed to resemble Haman’s pointed hat.
On the 15th day of Adar, after the rest of Israel’s celebration is complete, Purim is recognized in Jerusalem (and a few other walled cities). The same types of activities take place. Jerusalem conducts its festivities a day later to identify with the citizens of Susa who fought their adversaries an additional day.
CONCLUSION
Although there is no explicit mention of Purim in the New Testament, many scholars believe that the unnamed feast mentioned in John 5:1 was Purim. Following the chronology of the gospels, Jesus attended this feast in the late winter, around the time Purim takes place. It was on this occasion that Jesus healed a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda.
Purim is 1 of several major Jewish holidays. I will close today’s message by naming some of these special days. Here is a partial list:
Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits are conducted to memorialize the Angel of the LORD’s “passing over” the homes of the Israelites, the hasty departure of the Hebrew children from Egypt, and to mark the beginning of grain harvest respectively.
Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks is held at the end of the wheat harvest to thank God for His provision.
Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year.
Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is the holiest day of the year, upon which the high priest entered the Holy of Holies and offered sacrifices on behalf of the nation when the Temple was still in existence.
The Feast of Tabernacles is conducted to memorialize the shelters of the Hebrew children during the years of the exodus.
Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Jewish temple by the Maccebbes after the Syrians had desecrated it.
Purim celebrates God’s deliverance of the Jews from the wicked scheme of Haman through the courageous acts of Mordecai and Queen Esther.
Next Sunday we will conclude our study of Esther and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Good morning. I am so happy to see you here in the Lord’s house to worship Him today. As you know, we have been studying through the book of Esther for the past few months. My prayer is that these messages have not only improved your knowledge and understanding of this book, but also challenged you - as they have me - to live more boldly for Christ!
At the conclusion of last week’s sermon, the day of Haman’s evil plan to slaughter the Jews finally arrived. Jews throughout Persia gathered to defend themselves and, by God’s strength, they were victorious over their enemies. When the conflict ended, they celebrated their success both in the city of Susa and across the numerous provinces.
This morning’s message is titled “The Feast of Purim Is Established”. In it we will discover and discuss how Mordecai and Esther officially founded this holiday for the Jews. We will also consider how Jewish people celebrate Purim today.
I. THE HOLIDAY’S LENGTH (v20-22)
Mordecai wrote down the events that had taken place so that they wouldn’t be forgotten. He also sent letters to all 127 provinces in the Persian Empire which instructed the Jews to recognize the 14th and 15th days of Adar as an annual holiday. Each year they were to remember and celebrate how the LORD had delivered them from Haman’s wicked scheme, given them rest from their enemies, and turned their sorrow into joy. They were to feast with gladness, send portions of food to each other, and give gifts to the poor.
As stated in the opening message of this series, it is uncertain who wrote the book of Esther. However, if Mordecai was the author or coauthor, which is quite possible, his writings might be the very words we have been reading over the past several weeks. He directed this holiday to be observed for 2 days, because (as we read last Sunday) the Jews in the provinces had celebrated on the 14th while those in Susa fought an extra day and celebrated on the 15th.
II. THE HOLIDAY’S NAME (v23-28)
The Jews were delighted to comply with Mordecai’s letter and make this an annual holiday. Haman had devised to completely destroy the Jews and had cast Pur, or the lot, to determine the exact date of their demise. But Haman’s genocidal plan had been foiled and he and his 10 sons had been hanged on the gallows. Therefore, the Jews called this holiday Purim in recognition of the Pur that Haman had cast. They made it a permanent holiday, the 14th and 15th days of Adar, to be celebrated every year throughout the coming generations.
The name Purim is a reminder that God is sovereign over time and the events that take place. Haman had cast Pur or lots to determine which day would be best to execute his evil plan. This was an act of chance. But with God, there is no such thing as chance. He is not random, but intentional and deliberate. Everything that happens is either because God caused it or allowed it to occur. Nothing happens without His foreknowledge and permission. The name Purim highlights this irony. What Haman had planned for evil against the Jewish people, God turned into salvation!
III. THE HOLIDAY’S AFFIRMATION (v29-32)
Queen Esther, with Mordecai’s assistance, wrote a 2nd letter to officially affirm and authorize the observance of Purim. Her letter was also sent to Jews living in all of the numerous provinces throughout the Persian Empire. It echoed the words of Mordecai’s letter, but apparently included instructions about making fasting and prayer an essential part of the annual celebration. Esther’s declaration legally established Purim and it was written in the book, perhaps referring to the royal archives or chronicles.
Whenever I think of Esther and Mordecai, it reminds me of Deborah and Barak (Judges 4). Deborah was the 4th judge of Israel. She encouraged Barak to lead the armies of Israel against the forces of Canaan. Barak was afraid, but agreed to do so with Deborah’s support. Together they led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. Like Deborah and Barak, Esther and Mordecai were a team who worked together to accomplish the deliverance of God’s people.
IV. THE HOLIDAY’S CELEBRATION
Since the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews have celebrated Purim every year. This tradition has endured for almost 2,500 years. The Jewish people still observe Purim to this very day. In fact, Purim is regarded by many as the most fun and joyful of all the Jewish holidays. Some liken its festive nature to Mardi Gras, although these 2 holidays have very different meanings and origins. Below are some of the ways in which Purim is celebrated today:
On the day before Purim begins (the 13th day of Adar), many Jews fast and pray to memorialize the 3 days of fasting and prayer that took place prior to Esther’s appearance before the king. They also make donations to charities or give to the less fortunate, in keeping with Mordecai’s command to do so.
On the 14th day of Adar, the story of Esther is read aloud in synagogues and homes throughout Israel. This is the main emphasis of Purim. Many Jews dress up in costumes as a way of symbolizing how Esther concealed her Jewish identity. Grand parades and street parties are held in the major cities. Bountiful feasts are conducted and portions of the food, treats, and so forth are given to family and friends. Small triangular pastries (or cookies) called Hamantaschen are an iconic holiday favorite. They are designed to resemble Haman’s pointed hat.
On the 15th day of Adar, after the rest of Israel’s celebration is complete, Purim is recognized in Jerusalem (and a few other walled cities). The same types of activities take place. Jerusalem conducts its festivities a day later to identify with the citizens of Susa who fought their adversaries an additional day.
CONCLUSION
Although there is no explicit mention of Purim in the New Testament, many scholars believe that the unnamed feast mentioned in John 5:1 was Purim. Following the chronology of the gospels, Jesus attended this feast in the late winter, around the time Purim takes place. It was on this occasion that Jesus healed a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda.
Purim is 1 of several major Jewish holidays. I will close today’s message by naming some of these special days. Here is a partial list:
Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits are conducted to memorialize the Angel of the LORD’s “passing over” the homes of the Israelites, the hasty departure of the Hebrew children from Egypt, and to mark the beginning of grain harvest respectively.
Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks is held at the end of the wheat harvest to thank God for His provision.
Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year.
Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is the holiest day of the year, upon which the high priest entered the Holy of Holies and offered sacrifices on behalf of the nation when the Temple was still in existence.
The Feast of Tabernacles is conducted to memorialize the shelters of the Hebrew children during the years of the exodus.
Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Jewish temple by the Maccebbes after the Syrians had desecrated it.
Purim celebrates God’s deliverance of the Jews from the wicked scheme of Haman through the courageous acts of Mordecai and Queen Esther.
Next Sunday we will conclude our study of Esther and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.