SCRIPTURE: ESTHER 9
TRIUMPH OF THE JEWS (vs. 1-17)
On the 13th day of the 12th month, the enemies of the Jews will destroy the Jews. But now the tables were turned and the Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of king Xerxes to attack those seeking their extinction. All the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because of fear of Mordecai. Mordecai was prominent in the palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more and more powerful.
The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed 500 men. They also killed the 10 sons of Haman, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder. Esther requested the king to have the 10 sons of Haman be hanged on gallows which was done. And the Jews assembled to protect themselves and get their relief from their enemies. They killed 75 thousands of them on the 13th day of the month of Ada and on the 14th day, they rested and made it a day of fasting and joy. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family and in every province and in very city. Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in 127 provinces – words of goodwill and assurance – to establish theses days of Purim at their designated times, which Mordecai and Queen Esther had decreed for them. They had to establish for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. The day of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews as it was written down in the records.
PURIM CELEBRATED (vs. 18-19)
The Jews in Susa had assembled on the 13th and 14th and on the 15th day, they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy. Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews through the province of king Xerxes to celebrate annually the 14th and 15th days of the month of Ada as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. The two days were called Purim and should be observed and remembered in every generation by every family in every province and every city.
THOUGHTS:
The Feast of Purim “pur” means “lot” was a time of great gladness and feasting. To show our gratitude to God, we should also set some days for special remembrance and celebration to remind us of what the Lord has done for us.