Esther 9:31
in order to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established them and had committed themselves and their descendants to the times of fasting and lamentation.
in order to establish
The phrase "in order to establish" indicates a deliberate and purposeful action. The Hebrew root word here is "קוּם" (qum), which means to arise, stand, or confirm. This suggests a sense of permanence and authority in the actions being taken. Historically, the establishment of Purim was not just a temporary measure but a lasting ordinance for the Jewish people, signifying the importance of remembering God's deliverance.

these days of Purim
"Purim" comes from the Hebrew word "פּוּר" (pur), meaning "lot." The festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot, as recorded in the Book of Esther. The casting of lots was a method used by Haman to determine the date for the annihilation of the Jews, but God turned it into a day of victory. This highlights the theme of divine providence and reversal of fortune.

at their appointed times
The phrase "at their appointed times" underscores the importance of observing these days annually. The Hebrew word "מוֹעֵד" (moed) refers to a set time or season, often used in the context of religious festivals. This indicates that Purim was to be celebrated with regularity and precision, ensuring that the memory of God's intervention would be preserved through generations.

just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed
This phrase emphasizes the authority and leadership of Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai, a Jew who rose to prominence in the Persian Empire, and Esther, the Jewish queen, were instrumental in the salvation of their people. Their decree carries weight because it is rooted in their God-given positions and experiences. It reflects the biblical principle that God raises leaders to fulfill His purposes.

for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants
The inclusion of "for themselves and their descendants" highlights the communal and generational aspect of the decree. The Hebrew concept of "זֶרַע" (zera), meaning seed or offspring, underscores the importance of passing down faith and traditions. This ensures that future generations understand and appreciate their heritage and God's faithfulness.

the matters of their fasting and lamentations
Fasting and lamentations were integral to the Jewish response to the threat they faced. The Hebrew word for fasting, "צוֹם" (tsom), and lamentations, "מִסְפֵּד" (misped), indicate a period of mourning and seeking God's intervention. These practices reflect a deep spiritual discipline and reliance on God, acknowledging human frailty and divine sovereignty. The inclusion of these practices in the observance of Purim serves as a reminder of the humility and repentance that precede deliverance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mordecai the Jew
A central figure in the Book of Esther, Mordecai is Esther's cousin and guardian. He plays a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot.

2. Queen Esther
The Jewish queen of Persia who bravely intervenes to save her people from destruction. Her courage and faith are pivotal in the establishment of the festival of Purim.

3. Purim
A Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. It is a time of feasting, joy, and giving gifts.

4. Fasting and Lamentations
These practices were part of the Jewish response to the threat against them, showing their dependence on God and their repentance.

5. The Jewish People
The community that was under threat of extermination but was delivered through the actions of Esther and Mordecai, leading to the celebration of Purim.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Remembrance
Just as the Jews established Purim to remember their deliverance, Christians are called to remember God's faithfulness in their lives. This can be through personal testimonies, celebrations, or regular reflection on God's Word.

Courage in Faith
Esther's bravery in approaching the king is a powerful example of acting in faith despite fear. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting God with the outcomes.

Community and Tradition
The establishment of Purim highlights the role of community and tradition in faith. Christians can learn the value of gathering together to celebrate and remember God's work among them.

Fasting and Prayer
The initial response of fasting and lamentation by the Jews underscores the importance of seeking God earnestly in times of crisis. Believers are reminded of the power of prayer and fasting in seeking God's intervention.

Generational Legacy
The decree for future generations to observe Purim emphasizes the importance of passing down faith and testimonies to the next generation, ensuring that God's works are not forgotten.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the establishment of Purim as a memorial compare to other biblical feasts and commemorations, and what can we learn from these practices for our own spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in our faith like Esther, especially when facing difficult or fearful situations?

3. How can we incorporate the principles of fasting and prayer into our lives when seeking God's guidance or intervention?

4. What are some ways we can ensure that the accounts of God's faithfulness are passed down to future generations in our families or communities?

5. How does the account of Esther and the celebration of Purim illustrate the truth of Romans 8:28, and how can this encourage us in our current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 17:14
The command to remember and commemorate significant events, similar to the establishment of Purim as a memorial of God's deliverance.

Leviticus 23
The establishment of feasts and holy days in the Jewish calendar, showing the importance of remembering God's acts of salvation.

Psalm 30:11
The transformation of mourning into joy, reflecting the change from fasting and lamentation to celebration during Purim.

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

Hebrews 11:6
The importance of faith, as demonstrated by Esther and Mordecai in their trust in God's providence.
The Effects of DeliveranceW. Dinwiddle Esther 9:17-32
The Religion of National GratitudeP.C. Barker Esther 9:21, 27, 28, 31
People
Abihail, Adalia, Ahasuerus, Aridai, Aridatha, Arisai, Aspatha, Dalphon, Esther, Haman, Hammedatha, Mordecai, Parmashta, Parshandatha, Poratha, Vajezatha
Places
Susa
Topics
Appointed, Confirm, Connection, Cry, Decreed, Descendants, Designated, Enjoined, Establish, Established, Esther, Fasting, Fastings, Fasts, Fixed, Force, Giving, Imposed, Instructions, Jew, Jews, Keeping, Laid, Lamentation, Lamentations, Lamenting, Law, Matter, Matters, Mordecai, Mor'decai, Observed, Ordained, Ordered, Purim, Queen, Regard, Rules, Seasons, Seed, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Esther 9:31

     5487   queen
     5899   lament

Esther 9:29-32

     7915   confirmation

Esther 9:30-31

     7505   Jews, the

Library
Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Tiberias.
All the Jews declare, almost with one consent, that this was a fortified city from ancient times, even from the days of Joshua, and was the same with Rakkath, of which mention is made, Joshua 19:35. "Rakkath is Tiberias," say the Jerusalem Gemarists. And those of Babylon say the same, and that more largely: "It is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias." And when, after a few lines, this of Rabbi Jochanan was objected, "When I was a boy, I said a certain thing, concerning which I asked the elders,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land.
I. Let us begin with that canon concerning reading the Book of Esther in the feast of Purim. "Towns that were begirt with walls from the days of Joshua read it on the fifteenth day" of the month Adar: "Villages and great cities read it the fourteenth day": "Unless that the villages anticipate it, to the day of the congregation." You see a threefold distinction of cities and towns: 1. Fortifications, or towns girt with walls from the days of Joshua. But whence shall we know them? They are those which
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Esther
The spirit of the book of Esther is anything but attractive. It is never quoted or referred to by Jesus or His apostles, and it is a satisfaction to think that in very early times, and even among Jewish scholars, its right to a place in the canon was hotly contested. Its aggressive fanaticism and fierce hatred of all that lay outside of Judaism were felt by the finer spirits to be false to the more generous instincts that lay at the heart of the Hebrew religion; but by virtue of its very intensity
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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