Historical Background

The Feast of Purim, while considered a “minor holiday” by the Jewish community, is nonetheless a time of great joy. Its important message is revealed by the name Purim, literally “lots.” This recalls a time in Jewish history when the “lot” was cast to decide the day of destruction of the Jews. Fortunately, there is a living God who saw to it that this evil plan was never fulfilled. Purim is God’s appointed time to celebrate the protection of his people from the dangers of their enemies.

The God of Israel proven himself faithful to his promises to watch over Israel once again (see Genesis 12:3), and that is something to celebrate!

Traditional Jewish Observance

The dates of the festival are clearly stated in the book of Esther. The date chosen by Haman for the destruction of the Jews was the thirteenth of the biblical month of Adar. To remember the somberness of that time, the traditional Jewish community begins a fast that day every year. This also recalls the time when Mordechai and Esther began a three-day fast as they sought God’s guidance (Esther 4:16). The joyful celebration of Purim begins at sunset on 14 Adar and continues through 15 Adar. The second day is often called Shushan Purim because the Jews celebrated for an extra day in Persia (Esther 9:18).

The Prophetic Fulfillment

The holy day of Purim is not directly mentioned in the New Covenant, but the lessons of this feast permeate it. The main lesson is found in the faithfulness of God towards his covenant people. In Genesis 12:3 we find that part of the promise to Abraham is divine protection: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” The simple but profound lesson of Purim is that God will be faithful to his promises. Anytime his people are threatened with destruction, God will intervene because his character is at stake. As Rabbi Saul of Tarsus put it, “for God’s free gifts and his calling are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Perhaps the best one-word summary of all this is found in the word “protection.”

Yet the message of Purim is not to be limited to the ancient history of Israel. Every believer in Yeshua has reason to celebrate. God’s consistent protection of the Jewish people should give all believers a sense of hope and security. God is a covenant-keeping God who is faithful to every generation.

A secondary yet important lesson of this holy day is the responsibility of man to accomplish God’s will. Esther is the only book of the Bible with no clear reference to God; yet he can be seen working out his perfect plan behind the scenes. Also emphasized is that people have a responsibility to act if the will of God is to be carried out. When the evil plot of Haman became known to the Jewish community of Persia, there was a call to prayer and fasting. Ultimately, there was also a call to action as seen in the exhortation from Mordechai to Queen Esther:

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)?

A Practical Guide for Believers in Messiah

Purim is perhaps the most expressive feast in the biblical calendar. The normal synagogue decorum is temporarily set aside for the noisy joy of celebration. As with most of the other holy days, many of the Jewish customs can be incorporated into a messianic expression. For example, while not commanded in Scripture, the Fast of Esther on the thirteenth of Adar certainly fits the spirit of prayer and fasting also taught in the New Covenant. Believers might choose this day to intercede for the protection and salvation of Israel (see Romans 10:1).

At the close of the Fast, the first day of Purim begins with the synagogue service and the reading of the Megillah. Because it is considered a minor holy day, the usual meal with candles is not required. However, preparation for the synagogue service compensates for what is passed over regarding the meal.

Since there will be a traditional reading of the book of Esther, all participants are encouraged to dress in costume (biblical or otherwise) to facilitate the role-playing. There are usually many little Esthers and Mordechais at the service—even a few bold Hamans! It is also a good time to let inhibitions go: hence there may be people dressed as anyone from the President of the United States to Mickey Mouse! Think of Purim as a sanctified costume party with an important message.