Purim (a Jewish Feast day) (The story of how Esther saved the Jewish people while exiled in the Persian Kingdom) is March 6, 2020 – Yes, it is significant to Jewish people, however, are the treasures hidden within the story, that we, as believers can glean from?
Let’s start with a little history – Daniel interpreted a supernatural occurrence of handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar, which described the end of his reign, his death, and Jews being exiled into Babylon – Daniel 5 – Belshazzar made a spectacle by holding parties with the articles of the temple. Shortly following his death, the Medes under Darius I, and the Persians led by Cyrus, conquered the Babylonians. Darius was emperor for a year, but the competition ended with Cyrus leading the entirety of the Medo-Persian kingdom.
Cyrus had some interaction with the God of the Jews, and therefore was predisposed to give them conciliations – even to the point of returning to Judah and establishing the temple, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 45. However, only the Jewish Leadership returned to Judah – while the rest remained in exile in the Persian empire.
Upon Cyrus’ death, Ahasuerus took the throne and returned to the same practices of Belshazzar, with a contempt for the Jews, as well as appointing a “Prime Minister” named Haman – and thus begins the story…
Many of the Jews socialized with the Persians and became more secular as Persian culture became the norm for them. The Jews were accepted, integrated citizens who blended into Persian life. So much so, that unnoticed, a Jewish woman became the Queen – chosen from the haram of many women over the one who was queen and who hated her position.
Imagine their shock, in a moment their lives were drastically changed. Out of hatred and deep-seeded anti-Semitism, Haman convinces the King to destroy the entire Jewish people. they went from their normal daily routines to persecution to the point of death. (This sounds like the same story out of 1932 Europe) They were hated, on the verge of destruction because of their race. During these years, the Jews were divided into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms were not aligned together in spite that the prophets had tried to unify them. Now that the Hebrews faced extinction, they joined kingdoms and turned to God for mercy.
Mordecai and Esther knew for certain that Haman’s decree was not an accident of history, but a consequence of failings within the Jewish people. Idolatry, and the succumbing to a pagan culture brought about the weakness which Haman capitalized on. That is why Mordecai’s response was “that he clothed himself in sackcloth and ashes and went out into the midst of the City.” He turned to repentance and urged the rest of the Jews to do likewise. Only then did he send Esther “to come to the King and entreat him and plead with him for her people.” Esther was also repentant. She asked Mordecai to “Go and gather all the Jews – and they should fast for me, and neither eat nor drink for three days and nights.” In addition, Esther included herself: “I also will fast.”
The book of Esther has been referred to as “a monument in the history of anti-Semitism.” The anti-Semitism shown in the book of Esther is predominantly religiously based. Cyrus allowed the Jews to worship as they wanted to – which was subsequent in Ahasuerus’ reign as well. When we see anti-Semitism shown in later Hellenistic-Roman literature through today, it is mostly ethnic in its hatred. The Jewish people have faced elimination as a group many times through ancient, medieval, and modern societies. Psalm 83:4 says regarding what the enemies of Israel declare, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.” This has been attempted so many times.
So, what is the significance of Purim for Believers?
- Esther fasted for 3 days and then “arose to go before the king…” Who arose first to go see the King (Yeshua) after he died? Mary & Mary (Mryam & Mryam) – they were first to know He had resurrected – and that salvation had truly come. (Matthew 28)
- Haman’s process of being exposed and put to death is a prophetic sign of the final battle against those nations who arise against Israel – the same King who arose individually will arise to destroy the enemies of Israel. (Revelation 16:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:16)
- The Hebrews were finally delivered from Haman on the 17th of Nisan (3 days after Passover) – which is the Feast of First Fruits – Yeshua is the first fruits of the resurrected, then and in the day that is approaching, where we are all resurrected is as well. (Colossians 1:18)
- It memorializes the salvation from extinction of the Jewish People – yet again, by God’s faithfulness – and that “The Rod out of Jesse” would still come from the tribe of Judah – Yeshua himself (Matthew 1, Luke 3, Revelation 5)
- Is it possible, that this story – which does not mention God one time by the way… could be a template, or yet even a calling, for the nations to support the Jewish people in their unending covenant with Yahweh? Isaiah 49:22 says, “This is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and raise My banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders.” Could we all be called to be “Modern-Day Esthers” to support the “first-born” of God in a time where anti-Semitism has arisen to levels which are unequalled since the 1930s?
I believe this is true, and you can help us. You can minister to Holocaust Survivors in Israel – You can touch the lives of orphaned children in Kiryat Gat – where rockets fly from out of the Gaza. You can help build a school for Arab children who suffer with ADD/ADHD… Your support allows us to make that happen. Please pray for Israel every day – click here for an online prayer guide for Israel.
If you want to support projects in the Land financially – click here!
Blessings and Shalom – Let Purim touch your heart as a believer this year!
