Esther 9:23 – “So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Esther 9:23, we see that the Jewish people agreed to follow Mordecai’s instructions regarding the celebration of Purim. After their miraculous deliverance from the threat of annihilation, Mordecai instructed the Jewish communities to establish an annual celebration to commemorate God’s intervention. The people recognized the significance of what had happened and willingly committed to continue observing this joyful event, as Mordecai had directed.
The agreement to continue the celebration shows the people’s recognition of God’s work in their lives. Their obedience to Mordecai’s instructions reflects the importance of remembering how God delivered them and ensured their survival.
Historical Context
The events of the book of Esther took place during the reign of King Xerxes of Persia. The Jewish people, who were living as exiles throughout the Persian Empire, faced a genocidal threat from Haman, a high-ranking official. Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews was thwarted through the courage of Queen Esther and the wisdom of her cousin Mordecai. The Jews were given permission to defend themselves and ultimately triumphed over their enemies.
Following their victory, Mordecai sent letters to the Jewish people throughout the empire, instructing them to observe an annual celebration—Purim—on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar. Esther 9:23 shows that the Jewish people embraced this new tradition, recognizing the importance of remembering their deliverance.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the importance of remembering and commemorating God’s deliverance. The decision of the Jewish people to continue celebrating Purim reflects a biblical pattern of establishing practices that help God’s people remember His faithfulness and power. In the Old Testament, God often commanded His people to set aside special times to commemorate significant events, such as the Passover. These celebrations serve to strengthen the people’s faith by reminding them of God’s mighty works in the past.
Esther 9:23 also highlights the value of communal obedience and unity. The Jewish people agreed to follow Mordecai’s instructions and observed the celebration together. This reflects the principle that faith is lived out in community, where believers are called to encourage and support one another in their shared walk with God.
Literary Analysis
In terms of literary structure, this verse serves as a bridge between Mordecai’s decree and the broader Jewish response to the establishment of Purim. The verse is brief but significant—it shows that the people did not resist or question Mordecai’s instruction. Instead, they willingly agreed to institutionalize Purim as a way of remembering God’s deliverance.
The simplicity of the language reflects the unity and agreement of the Jewish people, emphasizing that they understood the importance of commemorating their survival. The repetition of the phrase “doing what Mordecai had written to them” reinforces the idea that the people were obedient to the godly leadership of Mordecai, who was instrumental in their deliverance.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:14 – “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord.” Just as God instructed the Israelites to remember the Passover, the Jews in Esther’s time were instructed to remember Purim.
- Psalm 77:11 – “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” This reflects the principle of recalling and celebrating God’s past works, as the Jews did with Purim.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart.” This verse underscores the importance of remembering God’s deliverance, much like the establishment of Purim.
- Joshua 4:7 – “These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Just as the stones served as a reminder of God’s deliverance, Purim became a memorial for the Jewish people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Esther 9:23 serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering how God has worked in our lives. Just as the Jews agreed to continue the celebration of Purim, we are called to reflect on and celebrate the ways God has delivered and provided for us. Establishing traditions or moments of remembrance—whether through personal reflection, prayer, or communal worship—helps us stay rooted in God’s faithfulness.
This verse also teaches us about the value of obedience and unity in the faith community. The Jewish people responded to Mordecai’s instructions with agreement and commitment. In the same way, Christians are called to support one another and follow the teachings of Scripture together, encouraging each other to remain faithful to God’s calling.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Esther 9:23 demonstrates God’s love for His people by showing how He worked to deliver them from destruction. God’s love is evident in the way He protected the Jews from their enemies, and this love became the foundation for the joyful celebration of Purim. God’s deliverance and care are meant to be remembered and celebrated, as His love is not fleeting but enduring.
The fact that God’s people responded with joy and obedience reflects their recognition of His love for them. God’s love calls us to remember and respond with gratitude, much like the Jewish people who chose to commemorate Purim year after year as a way of honoring His faithfulness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Esther 9:23 points forward to the ultimate deliverance that Jesus Christ provides. Just as the Jews agreed to celebrate their rescue from destruction, Christians are called to remember and celebrate the salvation that Jesus offers through His death and resurrection. Luke 22:19 says, “Do this in remembrance of me,” as Jesus instructed His followers to remember His sacrifice through the practice of communion.
The communal aspect of Purim—where the Jewish people came together to celebrate—reflects the unity that Jesus brings to His followers. Through Christ, believers are united in a shared faith, and we are called to celebrate the greatest act of deliverance in history: Jesus’ victory over sin and death. 1 Corinthians 11:26 reminds us that every time we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you make time to remember and celebrate the ways God has worked in your life?
- What are some traditions or practices you can establish to ensure that you regularly reflect on God’s faithfulness?
- How does the obedience and unity of the Jewish people in Esther 9:23 encourage you to live out your faith in community with others?
- In what ways can you foster a spirit of gratitude and remembrance in your own life, especially when reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection?
- How can the story of Purim inspire you to trust in God’s ongoing protection and provision, even in difficult circumstances?