Esther 9:26 – “Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur. Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Esther 9:26, the verse explains how the Jewish festival of Purim got its name. The word “Purim” comes from the Persian word “pur,” which means “lot.” This refers to the lots that Haman cast to determine the day on which the Jews would be destroyed. However, instead of being a day of destruction, that day was transformed into a day of victory for the Jewish people, and they were able to defend themselves against their enemies.

The verse highlights how the Jewish people established the festival of Purim to remember the events that unfolded. The annual celebration was meant to commemorate their deliverance and to remind future generations of how God had turned their sorrow into joy. The naming of the festival after the “pur” signifies how even what seemed like random chance or fate was under God’s control.

Historical Context

The book of Esther is set in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes. The Jewish people, living as a minority throughout the empire, were threatened with annihilation when Haman, a high-ranking official, convinced the king to issue a decree allowing the destruction of all Jews. Haman cast lots (pur) to decide the date of this massacre.

However, through the intervention of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, the plot was exposed, and the king issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, the Jews were victorious over their enemies, and the celebration of Purim was established to remember this event.

Theological Implications

Esther 9:26 carries significant theological implications. First, it teaches that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem to be governed by chance or fate. Haman’s casting of lots (pur) was supposed to seal the fate of the Jewish people, but God turned the situation around to bring about their deliverance. This reflects the biblical truth that nothing happens outside of God’s control, and He can use even seemingly random events to accomplish His purposes.

Second, the establishment of Purim as a time of remembrance emphasizes the importance of gratitude and celebration in the life of faith. The Jewish people set aside specific days to recall how God had saved them from destruction. This teaches us the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness and ensuring that future generations know about His mighty works.

Literary Analysis

From a literary perspective, Esther 9:26 serves as the culmination of the story’s theme of reversal. Throughout the book of Esther, we see dramatic reversals of fortune, and the naming of Purim is a final reminder of how God overturned Haman’s evil plans. The very thing that was supposed to mark the destruction of the Jews—the casting of lots—became the symbol of their deliverance.

The use of the word “therefore” links the past events with the establishment of a new tradition. The phrase “because of what they had seen and what had happened to them” reinforces that the celebration of Purim is not based on myth or legend but on real historical events witnessed by the people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 16:33 – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over events that appear to be determined by chance, just as He was in control of the lots cast by Haman.
• Psalm 105:5 – “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” The establishment of Purim reflects this biblical command to remember God’s works of deliverance.
• Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” This verse emphasizes the importance of recalling and teaching future generations about God’s faithfulness, much like the celebration of Purim.
• Psalm 126:3 – “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” The celebration of Purim reflects the joy of God’s deliverance, as expressed in this psalm.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Esther 9:26 serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all things, including events that may seem like random chance or fate. Just as God turned the casting of lots into an opportunity for deliverance, He can turn even the most difficult or uncertain situations in our lives into opportunities for His purposes to be fulfilled.

This verse also teaches the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s faithfulness. As the Jewish people set aside specific days to celebrate Purim, Christians are encouraged to reflect on the ways God has worked in their lives and to celebrate His goodness. Regularly taking time to give thanks for God’s deliverance strengthens our faith and reminds us that He is always in control.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Esther 9:26 reflects God’s love for His people in the way He intervened to save them from destruction. Even though Haman’s plan seemed unstoppable, God’s love ensured that His people were not abandoned. He worked through the courage of Esther and Mordecai to bring about their deliverance, showing that He cares deeply for His people’s well-being.

God’s love is also seen in how He provided a way for future generations to remember His faithfulness. The establishment of Purim was a way for the Jewish people to continually recall God’s love and protection. This reminds us that God’s love is not only for the present but is something we are meant to reflect on and pass down to future generations.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Esther 9:26 points forward to the ultimate deliverance provided through Jesus Christ. Just as the Jewish people celebrated their rescue from physical destruction through Purim, Christians celebrate the spiritual deliverance provided through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Luke 22:19 shows how Jesus instituted the practice of communion as a way for His followers to remember His sacrifice and the new covenant of salvation.

The casting of lots by Haman, intended to bring death, is reminiscent of how human sin brought destruction and death. But Jesus’ sacrifice reversed that, bringing life and hope. Through Christ, what was intended for harm (sin and death) was overcome, and through His resurrection, we experience victory and life. Colossians 2:15 tells us that Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Esther 9:26 encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in situations that seem uncertain or out of control?
2. What are some specific ways you can regularly remember and celebrate how God has worked in your life, similar to how the Jews celebrated Purim?
3. How does the story of Purim remind you of the importance of passing down stories of God’s faithfulness to future generations?
4. In what ways does God’s ability to turn Haman’s evil plot into a moment of deliverance give you hope in your current circumstances?
5. How does the reversal seen in the story of Purim point to the ultimate victory and reversal of sin and death that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection?