Esther 9:28: How do we reconcile the institution of Purim with the absence of divine mention or direct intervention throughout the entire story of Esther?

Historical Context of Esther and the Origin of Purim

The Book of Esther is set during the Persian Empire, under King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I, 486–465 BC). Jewish people were living in exile, dispersed throughout the vast realm. The events recorded in Esther culminate in the deliverance of the Jews from a genocidal plot devised by Haman (Esther 3–8). Subsequently, Purim was instituted as an annual commemoration (Esther 9:20–28). Esther 9:28 declares:

“Thus these days should be remembered and celebrated by every generation, every family, every province, and every city, so that these days of Purim will not fail from among the Jews, nor their memory fade from their descendants.”

Despite God not being mentioned by name, the deliverance of the Jewish people is central to the narrative. The question arises as to why there is no explicit divine reference in the text, even as the Book of Esther records the origin of a perpetual feast of thanksgiving—Purim.

Providential Deliverance Without Overt Mention of God

Esther is unique among the books of the Hebrew Scriptures for its lack of explicit references to God. However, the theme of God’s providence can be discerned in the “coincidences” that orchestrate Esther’s rise to queen, the king’s timely insomnia (Esther 6:1), and the revelation of Haman’s plot. Many commentators throughout the centuries have observed that these events demonstrate a pattern consistent with divine guidance.

The presence and activity of God often operate in plain sight yet remain seemingly hidden to those who would ignore or deny them. Thus, the Book of Esther serves as a testament that God remains active and sovereign even when He is not explicitly named. Purim acknowledges this deliverance: it is a celebration of God’s hidden hand safeguarding His covenant people in exile.

Textual Support and Historical Evidence

1. Internal Biblical Consistency: The narrative’s accuracy aligns with Persian court practices of the era (Esther 1:3–9; 2:12–18). Historical records and archaeological findings confirm the vastness of the Persian Empire, as well as the existence of palace complexes in Susa (Shushan). Coins and inscriptions discovered in modern-day Iran attest to the historical reality of Persian administration and help place Esther’s story in a credible framework.

2. External References:

• Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews (11.184–296), recounts the Esther story, underscoring its importance within Jewish historical tradition.

• Early Jewish Writings: Rabbinical texts (e.g., Talmud, Tractate Megillah) elaborate on Purim’s observance, confirming the book’s status within the community and offering a detailed chronology consistent with a historic framework.

These references, while not explicitly confirming the miraculous element, reinforce the veracity of the events recorded and the longstanding practice of observing Purim.

Institution of Purim and Its Theological Significance

1. Memory of Deliverance: Purim stands as an enduring reminder of how a seemingly irreversible decree was overturned. By commemorating Purim annually, Jewish communities preserve the memory of that great deliverance.

2. God’s Sovereignty in Hiddenness: Although the book never states “the LORD said” or records direct miracles like parted seas, the very existence of Purim as a feast celebrating rescue from destruction testifies to the believer’s conviction that God was at work. This underscores a biblical theme: God’s sovereignty may operate quietly through human agents and historical processes (Proverbs 21:1; cf. Esther 4:14).

3. Invitation to Discern Divine Work: The lack of explicit reference to God can prompt readers to practice spiritual discernment—actively seeking evidence of providence, even when no dramatic theophany or miracle is described. This emphasis encourages trust that God’s purposes stand, even in times of hiddenness.

Reconciliation of a New Festival with No Overt Divine Mandate

1. Biblical Precedent for Additional Celebrations: While Leviticus 23 outlines feasts given by God through Moses, Purim, like the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, referenced in John 10:22), emerges later in Jewish history to commemorate significant acts of preservation. These feasts are not contradictory to earlier, divinely mandated festivals. Instead, they supplement them, affirming the principle that God’s people join in thanksgiving for His ongoing covenant faithfulness.

2. Esther 9:28 as a Binding Command: The text indicates that Mordecai and Esther—respected leaders within the Jewish community—prompted observance of Purim. From a conservative Jewish and Christian perspective, God’s authorship of Scripture under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration authenticates this command. Even if no direct “Thus says the LORD” statement is made, the Spirit’s superintendence of the biblical text (2 Timothy 3:16) conveys divine sanction.

3. Commemorating God’s Works: Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people erected memorials or instituted commemorations in response to extraordinary rescues (e.g., Joshua 4:1–9). The absence of explicit mention of God in Esther does not negate that “the LORD delivered them,” but highlights that the text was crafted to show how salvation can occur through “natural” means—yet is still orchestrated by God.

Practical and Devotional Lessons

1. Trust in God’s Timing: Believers learn to trust that God orchestrates events for His purposes (Romans 8:28). The Book of Esther vividly illustrates how seemingly ordinary occurrences come together for deliverance.

2. Faithfulness in Exile: Esther models courage and devotion in a foreign land, reminiscent of Joseph or Daniel. The story teaches that faithful reliance upon God transcends geographical and political barriers.

3. Moral Responsibility: Mordecai’s words, “And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14), challenge people of faith to rise to the occasion, trusting God to work through their efforts.

4. Unity and Community Celebration: Purim was to be celebrated by “every generation, every family, every province, and every city” (Esther 9:28). This promotes unity and mutual encouragement.

Conclusion

The institution of Purim with no explicit mention of the divine underscores a broader biblical truth: God’s providence can be manifest even when He appears silent. The Book of Esther exemplifies how God orchestrates history, often behind the scenes, to fulfill His promises and preserve His people. Purim’s origin represents a valid and vital commemoration of this deliverance, legitimized by the inspired biblical text.

Although the text of Esther omits a direct reference to God, it highlights the unshakable reality that divine sovereignty operates in all circumstances. This truth prompts believers and readers alike to acknowledge that extraordinary rescues do not always require dramatic miracles—instead, God’s invisible hand can guide the outcome just as decisively. Purim, therefore, remains a powerful testimony of thanksgiving and rejoicing for the unseen grace of the One who has never abandoned His people.