Introduction

The Feast of Purim is a Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This event is celebrated annually on the 14th and 15th days of the Hebrew month of Adar. The establishment of Purim is a significant event in Jewish history and religious practice, reflecting themes of divine providence, human courage, and communal solidarity.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, a canonical text in the Hebrew Bible. The account unfolds during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the king's court, harbors a deep-seated animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refuses to bow to him. In his wrath, Haman devises a plan to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire, casting lots (purim) to determine the date of their destruction (Esther 3:7).

Queen Esther, a Jewess and the cousin of Mordecai, is strategically positioned within the royal palace. At great personal risk, she approaches King Ahasuerus without being summoned, a bold move that could have resulted in her death. Esther reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot to the king, leading to Haman's downfall and execution (Esther 7:3-10).

Institution of Purim

Following their deliverance, Mordecai and Esther establish the Feast of Purim to commemorate this divine intervention and victory over their enemies. The Book of Esther records the institution of this festival: "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar" (Esther 9:20-21). The festival was to be observed with feasting, joy, and the giving of gifts to one another and to the poor (Esther 9:22).

Significance and Observance

Purim is a time of joyous celebration, marked by the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther), festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. The observance of Purim serves as a reminder of God's providential care and the reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. The casting of lots, which initially signified their doom, becomes a symbol of their deliverance.

Theologically, Purim underscores the hidden hand of God in history. Although the name of God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His presence is discerned in the unfolding events and the preservation of His people. The festival also highlights the courage and faithfulness of individuals like Esther and Mordecai, who act decisively in the face of existential threats.

Cultural and Historical Context

The establishment of Purim reflects the historical context of the Jewish diaspora in the Persian Empire. It illustrates the precarious position of the Jewish people living under foreign rule and their reliance on divine intervention for survival. The festival has been observed by Jewish communities throughout history, adapting to various cultural contexts while maintaining its core elements.

In summary, the establishment of Purim is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Jewish people. It is a celebration of deliverance, a call to remember the past, and an invitation to trust in God's providential care.