The casting of Pur, or "Purim," is a significant event in the Jewish calendar, rooted in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Esther. The term "Pur" refers to the lot that was cast to determine the date on which the Jews were to be annihilated, as orchestrated by Haman, the antagonist in the account of Esther. This event is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from this planned destruction.

Biblical Account

The account of the casting of Pur is detailed in the Book of Esther, specifically in Esther 3:7: "In the first month, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Xerxes, they cast the Pur (that is, the lot) before Haman to determine a day and a month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar." . This casting of lots was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often used to make decisions or determine fate, believed to be guided by divine will.

Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Jewish people, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. In his quest to destroy the Jews, Haman sought to determine the most auspicious day for their annihilation by casting lots. The result was the selection of the 13th day of the month of Adar.

Divine Providence and Deliverance

The narrative of Esther highlights the theme of divine providence, as God orchestrates events to protect His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned in the text. Esther, a Jewish woman who had become queen, was placed in a position of influence "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Through her courage and the wisdom of her cousin Mordecai, Esther revealed Haman's plot to the king, leading to Haman's downfall and the salvation of the Jewish people.

The Jews were granted the right to defend themselves, and on the appointed day, they triumphed over their enemies. This victory is celebrated in Esther 9:20-22: "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration." .

Significance in Jewish Tradition

The festival of Purim is observed with great joy and festivity, marked by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), giving gifts of food to friends (mishloach manot), charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim), and a celebratory meal (se'udat Purim). The casting of Pur, initially intended for the destruction of the Jews, is transformed into a symbol of their deliverance and God's faithfulness.

In the broader biblical context, the casting of lots is seen in various instances, such as the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:10) and the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). These instances underscore the belief in God's sovereignty over human affairs, as expressed in Proverbs 16:33: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." .

The account of Purim and the casting of Pur serve as a powerful reminder of God's providential care and the reversal of human intentions for His divine purposes.