Esther 9:27 – “The Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Esther 9:27 highlights how the Jewish people, after their miraculous deliverance from the plot to annihilate them, decided to formalize the celebration of Purim. They made it a permanent part of their calendar, committing themselves and their descendants to observe this festival annually. It wasn’t just a temporary response to their victory, but something they agreed to pass down through the generations. The verse also indicates that anyone who would join them—whether converts or others who aligned themselves with the Jewish community—should observe this celebration as well.
The establishment of Purim was a way to ensure that God’s deliverance would not be forgotten. It was meant to be celebrated in a specific way, on specific days, so that future generations would remember the great reversal God accomplished for His people.
Historical Context
The story of Esther takes place during the reign of King Xerxes in the Persian Empire, where the Jewish people were a minority spread throughout the land. Haman, an official of the king, devised a plot to destroy all the Jews in the empire. By casting lots (pur), he selected a day for their annihilation. However, through the courage of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, the plot was thwarted. Instead of being destroyed, the Jews were allowed to defend themselves and ultimately overcame their enemies.
In response to this deliverance, the Jews established the annual festival of Purim to commemorate their victory. Esther 9:27 shows that this wasn’t just a temporary celebration of the moment but a lasting tradition that the people committed to observing faithfully, generation after generation.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks to the importance of remembering and commemorating God’s deliverance and faithfulness. By establishing the custom of Purim, the Jewish people were affirming that God’s actions in their history were worth remembering and celebrating every year. This aligns with a broader biblical theme: God often calls His people to set aside times of remembrance to ensure they never forget what He has done for them.
The verse also emphasizes the idea of community and shared faith. The celebration of Purim was not just for the individuals who experienced the events firsthand but was extended to their descendants and to anyone who would join them. This illustrates how faith and gratitude to God are meant to be passed down and shared with others, not kept private.
Literary Analysis
In terms of literary structure, this verse is part of the conclusion of the book of Esther, where the events that have unfolded lead to the establishment of a lasting tradition. The language emphasizes the intentional and formal nature of the decision: the Jews “took it on themselves” to observe this custom every year. The repetition of the idea that this celebration should be passed down to “their descendants” and to “all who join them” underscores the importance of communal and generational memory in the Jewish faith.
The word “prescribed” suggests that the celebration wasn’t random or informal but was to be observed in a specific, ordered way. The verse sets up a sense of continuity and responsibility, where each generation is tasked with ensuring the memory of God’s deliverance is not lost.
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—a lasting ordinance.” This verse, regarding Passover, mirrors the idea of remembering God’s deliverance through an annual celebration.
- Deuteronomy 6:12 – “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” This verse emphasizes the importance of not forgetting God’s deliverance, much like Purim ensures the remembrance of God’s saving work.
- Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” This reflects the responsibility of passing down stories of God’s faithfulness to future generations.
- Joshua 4:6-7 – When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they set up stones as a memorial to God’s deliverance. This tradition of marking God’s intervention is echoed in the institution of Purim.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Esther 9:27 reminds us of the importance of regularly remembering God’s faithfulness and sharing His works with the next generation. While Purim is specific to the Jewish people, the principle of remembering and celebrating God’s deliverance is relevant for all believers. Just as the Jews formalized Purim to ensure future generations would not forget how God saved them, Christians are called to remember God’s greatest act of deliverance through Jesus Christ.
This verse also teaches the importance of establishing traditions that honor God’s work in our lives. Whether through times of worship, communion, or other forms of celebration, it’s important to take time to reflect on what God has done and to share those stories with our children and communities.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Esther 9:27 shows that God’s love for His people is not only active in moments of deliverance but is something He wants to be remembered and celebrated. His love is not fleeting but enduring, and He desires for His people to reflect on His faithfulness throughout their lives. By establishing Purim, the Jewish people were responding to God’s love by ensuring that His protection and care would be commemorated forever.
God’s love is also seen in how this celebration was meant to be inclusive—open not only to the Jewish people but to “all who join them.” This points to the expansiveness of God’s love, which extends beyond just one group of people to anyone who aligns themselves with His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Esther 9:27 points forward to the ultimate act of deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Jewish people celebrated their salvation from physical destruction, Christians celebrate the salvation from sin and death that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. Luke 22:19 shows how Jesus established the practice of communion, saying, “Do this in remembrance of me,” highlighting the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s greatest act of deliverance.
Just as the Jews passed down the observance of Purim to their descendants, Christians are called to pass down the story of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection to future generations. We celebrate through communion, worship, and by sharing the gospel with others.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you make sure that you regularly take time to remember and celebrate God’s work in your life, as the Jews did with Purim?
- What are some ways you can pass down stories of God’s faithfulness to your children or those in your community?
- How does the establishment of Purim challenge you to set up traditions that honor God and help others remember His goodness?
- In what ways does the story of Purim remind you of the ultimate deliverance provided through Jesus Christ, and how can you celebrate that in your life?
- How can you ensure that future generations continue to hear about and remember the great things God has done?