This Sunday, February 28th, marks the observance of a very special day. It is called Purim, and it is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar–their salvation from destruction by Haman of the Persian Empire.
What is the story behind Purim?
The full story behind Purim is in our Bibles, in the book of Esther. It is a story of a beautiful queen, or political intrigue, and ultimate deliverance. Twice on Purim, the book of Esther–known as the Megilla–is read in its entirety. As the story opens, the Persian King Ahasuerus was hosting a big party for all of the government officials. In a drunken craze, he makes unreasonable demands of his wife. She rejects, and Ahasuerus dismisses her. This commences an intense search for a new queen–and Ahasuerus demands that she be the most beautiful woman in the land. His eye falls on Esther, and although the king does not know it, she is an ethnic Jew living as an exile in Persia
The faithful Mordecai, Esther’s uncle and guardian, is a civil servant. He uncovers an assassination plot, reports it, and has his name recorded in the royal ledger. Meanwhile, we meet Haman, the wicked antagonist of the story. Haman, recently promoted in his government post, takes notice of Mordecai. Mordecai, a faithful Jew, refuses to bow down to the king. Haman is enraged and makes plans, with the king’s approval, to anihilate every Jew in the empire.
Mordecai learns of the tragic plot and tells Esther. She is the Jew’s only hope, because she is the queen. As the plot continues, Haman builds a gallows on which he plans to hang Mordecai. Meanwhile, Esther, by strategically arranging a series of banquets for the king and Haman, is making preparation for her ultimate request. She announces to the king, in Haman’s presence, that he–Haman–has connived a plot to massacre the Jewish people–and that she herself was a Jew.
The king was enraged. In a touch of poetic justice, Haman is killed on his own gallows. The king distributes a new edict that the Jews were entitled to self defense on the appointed day. Esther 9: records, “On the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain mastery over them, the revese occured: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.” It is a story of joy, triumph, and sovereign salvation for the Jewish people.
Who celebrates Purim?
Purim is originally a Jewish feast. It is a day of feasting, reading of Scripture, and exchanging gifts of food and drink. Many Jews celebrate by wearing masks and publicly celebrating in the streets. The most important event, however, is the reading of the Megilla and the feasting. Purim is not just for the Jews, however. Christians of all nationalities can appreciate this day. It is a day when Christians recognize the sovereign hand of God over the affairs of men. It is a day when believers can rejoice that God preserved His people, and protected the ethnic line from which the Messiah would be born.
How can we observe Purim?
This Sunday, your church can observe Purim with a message from the book of Esther. Perhaps a Jewish-style reading of the Megilla would be appropriate, or even a special meal in commemoration of the event.
What resources are available for Purim?
Sharefaith has a wide collection of resources available for Purim, including a bulletin cover, PowerPoint templates, and clipart images. You can use these resources to recognize and honor the event, and most importantly to bring glory to God whose saving power is still available to us today.
Click here to check out more Purim media.