Esther 9:18

The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.

Study Bible

But the Jews in Susa
The phrase highlights the specific location of Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, where the Jewish community resided. Historically, Susa was a significant city, serving as a center of power and influence. The Jews in Susa were directly under the influence of the royal edicts and the events that transpired in the king's court, making their actions particularly noteworthy. This setting underscores the miraculous nature of their deliverance and the divine providence at work in a place of such political significance.

assembled on the thirteenth and fourteenth days
The act of assembling indicates a communal gathering, which in the Hebrew context often implies unity and collective action. The thirteenth and fourteenth days of Adar were initially days of defense against their enemies, as decreed by Mordecai's counter-edict. This assembly was not just a physical gathering but a spiritual and emotional unification of the Jewish people, standing together in faith and courage against their adversaries.

of the month of Adar
Adar is the twelfth month in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in February or March. It is a month associated with joy and deliverance, culminating in the celebration of Purim. The historical context of Adar as a time of transformation from sorrow to joy is deeply embedded in Jewish tradition, symbolizing God's sovereignty and the reversal of fortunes for His people.

They rested on the fifteenth day
Resting signifies a cessation from labor and conflict, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible as a symbol of peace and divine provision. The fifteenth day marked the end of their struggle and the beginning of their celebration. This rest is reminiscent of the Sabbath rest, a time to reflect on God's faithfulness and to rejuvenate spiritually and physically.

making it a day of feasting and joy
Feasting and joy are expressions of gratitude and celebration in response to God's deliverance. In the Hebrew tradition, feasting is often associated with covenantal meals, communal sharing, and the acknowledgment of God's blessings. The joy experienced by the Jews in Susa was not merely a temporary happiness but a profound, spiritual rejoicing in the Lord's salvation and the reversal of their fate. This celebration laid the foundation for the annual festival of Purim, a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the triumph of His people over adversity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jews in Susa
The Jewish community residing in the Persian capital of Susa, who were central to the events of the Book of Esther.

2. Thirteenth and Fourteenth Days of Adar
These days mark the time when the Jews defended themselves against their enemies, as decreed by King Ahasuerus.

3. Fifteenth Day of Adar
A day of rest, feasting, and joy for the Jews in Susa, celebrating their deliverance from their enemies.

4. Feasting and Joy
The celebration that ensued after the Jews' victory, which later became the festival of Purim.

5. Purim
The Jewish festival established to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot, as described in the Book of Esther.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
Just as the Jews in Susa remembered their deliverance, Christians are called to remember God's faithfulness and deliverance in their own lives.

Community Celebration
The communal aspect of the Jewish celebration emphasizes the importance of gathering together in joy and thanksgiving.

God's Sovereignty and Providence
The events in Esther highlight God's unseen hand in orchestrating deliverance, reminding believers of His sovereignty in their lives.

Joy in Deliverance
The joy experienced by the Jews serves as a model for Christians to find joy in their spiritual deliverance through Christ.

Establishing Traditions
The establishment of Purim encourages believers to create traditions that honor God's work and foster community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the celebration of Purim in Esther 9:18 compare to other biblical celebrations of deliverance, such as Passover?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the principles of remembrance and thanksgiving from Esther 9:18 into our daily lives?

3. How does the communal aspect of the Jewish celebration in Susa inform our understanding of Christian fellowship and community?

4. What are some modern-day "Purims" or traditions that you can establish to commemorate God's faithfulness in your life?

5. How can the account of Esther and the deliverance of the Jews encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence in difficult circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The Passover celebration, which also commemorates deliverance and salvation, parallels the establishment of Purim as a time of remembrance and joy.

Nehemiah 8
The reading of the Law and the subsequent celebration of the Feast of Booths, highlighting the importance of communal joy and remembrance in Jewish tradition.

Psalm 30
A psalm of thanksgiving and joy, reflecting the themes of deliverance and celebration found in Esther 9:18.

Romans 8:28
The assurance that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, which can be seen in the deliverance of the Jews in Esther.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The call to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances, echoing the spirit of the Jewish celebration in Esther.