THE BOOK OF ESTHER AND THE REMEMBRANCE OF PURIM!
THE LESSON OF PURIM IS A LESSON ABOUT OVERCOMING!
THE LESSON OF PURIM IS A TESTIMONY OF DIVINE DELIVERANCE!
The main characters in the story of Esther are: Queen Esther, Uncle Mordecai, The evil, politically motivated Haman, and King of Persia.
Sushan: The city in ancient Persia where the Book of Esther takes place.
Haman was a very wicked political extremist, who blamed the Jews for standing out as being different from the social strata of the day. This was reason enough, in this ancient culture, to plot to exterminate an entire race of people!
Much of Haman’s loathing of the Jews was based on fearful thinking because of the favor of God on the Nation of Israel. This is another example of ancient, rising anti-Semitic prejudice documented from the beginning of time, until today.
Esther was an unlikely Persian Queen! She was a sweet, orphaned Jewish girl, who was obedient to her Uncle Mordecai, who took special interest in her as his own daughter, and encouraged Esther to become part of the Harem of the King of Persia. Uncle Mordecai was an encourager; one who planted courage in Esther! The result of his encouragement brought LIFE!
Esther rises as the King of Persia’s most favored wife, because of her beauty which glowed from her righteous character, illuminating her physical beauty! She called upon her Jewish brethren to fast and pray for a miraculous, heavenly DELIVERENCE from extermination by Haman, and to prepare Esther to approach her King unauthorized, begging for mercy in a dangerous interlude of asking for the King’s audience dressed in her full royal robes and jewels, to inform him of the plans of Haman to kill all of the Jews!
Esther revealed in this unauthorized meeting with her King that she too, was a Jew!
Uncle Mordecai, who was respected in the community, helps Esther in her persuasion of the King to intervene, and save the Jewish people!
In a deliciously ironic turn of events, God intervened to overturn Haman’s evil plans, and the plans of the King of Persia to agree to Haman’s murderous intent!
The delicious irony of God boomeranged against Haman, who was hanged on the very gallows constructed by his personal order, to kill the Jewish people! Throughout history, many nations have schemed to annihilate the Nation of Israel. Praise God, Israel is stronger today than ever, while the nations who plotted their demise no longer exist in their former strength or powerful stature.
Am Yisrael chai! The people of Israel live!
Rom 8:28 All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose!
Purim means “lots or dice”. Haman and his magicians threw dice to discern the correct day to carry out their murderous plans against the Jewish people of Sushan.
Haman rolled Adar 13 but the Jews were delivered the next day…on the holiday of Purim!
The delicious irony of the Lord: The very day plotted for evil, becomes a day of rejoicing and celebration, for the Jewish people, for all time!
The most important Purim or Deliverance of all is the day Yeshua sacrificed Himself for all mankind, Jew and Gentile, delivering believers in Him from sin and death, for all time!
The day which appeared to be utter ruin for Yeshua was in reality, the greatest day for the entire world, for all time! This sacrifice of Yeshua as the Lamb of God, elevated Jesus as Se Ha Elohim into His eternal reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Yehi Shem Adonai Mevorakh: Blessed be the name of the Lord!
The celebration of the Holiday of Purim (on Adar 14, in some instances Adar 15) is a fun Jewish tradition of the re-enactment of the book of Esther, in beautiful full costumes, with puppet shows for the children, which teaches the principles of the book of Esther.
The principles of Purim center on the battle between GOOD and EVIL, but also illuminate how a single young girl who overcame her greatest fears was used by God, to save the Nation of Isra’el!
Young Queen Esther’s fresh bravery planted eternal impact for GOOD!
Jewish celebrants enjoy a community meal to celebrate the savory goodness of deliverance from the hand of the Lord God Almighty!
CHAG PURIM SAMEACH!
HAPPY PURIM, DEAR SEEKERS!