The Feast Of Purim Series

The Feast of Purim

Esther 9: 20-32

Our text today deals with the Feast of Purim, a festival that was instituted following the Jews deliverance from Haman, and those who supported his wicked agenda. Purim became a feast of celebration and praise for their deliverance and prosperity. Christians do not celebrate the Feast of Purim, but the Jews continue to commemorate this special time in their history, with a time of feasting and celebration annually.

We have quite a bit of text to cover, so I want to look at the responses of the Jews as we consider: The Feast of Purim. Although this is a celebration regarding physical deliverance, there is application for our spiritual deliverance through Christ. Consider:

I. The Celebration of Purim (20-23) – These verses deal with the initial celebration of Purim and the Jews commitment to the feast. Notice:

A. The Decree (20) – We find that Mordecai sent letters throughout each of the provinces within the Persian Empire, both near and far, ordaining the observance of Purim. The Jews were expected to celebrate and keep the Feast annually in remembrance of the great deliverance they had received.

B. The Dates (21) – Mordecai set the annual dates for the Feast. Every year, on the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the month Adar, the Jews were to celebrate the Feast of Purim. They continue to celebrate these two days annually, usually sometime within our month of March.

As I pondered the Jews commitment to Purim, I thought of our celebration of the resurrection at Easter. It is then that we celebrate deliverance from sin and death, as we praise the Lord for His gracious sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection. In reality we celebrate the resurrection each Sunday morning, as we gather together in worship.

C. The Deliverance (22a) – As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day. Purim was set aside to celebrate their deliverance from those who sought their death, and the rest they enjoyed following their victory. It served to remind them of their sorrow and mourning being turned into joy and celebration of a good day. While it seemed hopeless, God had provided deliverance!

Easter serves as a reminder of the great deliverance we have in Christ, but really we should be mindful of His grace and mercy every day. I seek to praise Him continually for delivering me from the penalty of sin and providing life eternal.

D. The Devotion (22b-23) – that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. [23] And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them. Mordecai decreed Purim to be days of feasting and joy, a time of sending gifts to one another, and to those who were less fortunate. It was a celebration for every Jew, and he wanted to ensure all had the ability to celebrate. Upon hearing the decree, the Jews devoted themselves to obeying the decree and celebrating the Feast.

This reminded me of the sacrificial devotion of the early church in the book of Acts. They shared their goods and possessions with those of the church, ensuring all had their needs met. As followers of Christ, we are expected to care for one another and bear one another’s burdens.

II. The Reflection during Purim (24-25) – As the Jews celebrated, they also remembered the reason for their celebration. They were mindful of:

A. Their Opposition (24) – Every Jew who initially celebrated the Feast was aware of wicked Haman and his desire to rid the kingdom of every Jew. His prejudice and hatred had driven him to extreme measures, desiring the death of every Jew, because of their association with Mordecai.

The Jews did not celebrate Haman, but they did remember him. We too must be aware of the enemy we continue to face. If you are a Christian, he is committed to defeating you at all cost. He targets every believer because of their association with Christ. Never underestimate the power and tactics of the adversary.

B. The Intercession (25a) – Purim served as a reminder of the courage and commitment of Esther as she came before the king to intercede for the Jews. She risked her life in order to save theirs. No doubt, they were all thankful and appreciative of Esther.

Every believer has benefited greatly from intercession. We have a great High Priest, Jesus Christ our Lord, who intercedes for us continually at the throne of grace. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in prayer. We also enjoy the benefit of the prayers of fellow believers, lifting our needs before the Lord. We are truly blessed by the intercession of others on our behalf.