Esther 9:32 Study Bible: The commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

◄ Esther 9:32 ►

So Esther's decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, which were written into the record.

So Esther’s decree
Esther, a Jewish queen of Persia, played a pivotal role in the survival of her people. Her decree, issued with the authority of the king, highlights her influence and the divine providence at work. This decree is a testament to her courage and wisdom, as she navigated the complexities of Persian law and politics. Esther's actions can be seen as a type of Christ, as she interceded for her people, risking her own life for their salvation.

confirmed these regulations about Purim
The regulations refer to the observance of Purim, a festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them. The confirmation of these regulations ensured that the celebration of Purim would be an enduring tradition. This festival is marked by joy, feasting, and the giving of gifts, reflecting the themes of reversal and divine intervention. The establishment of Purim is a reminder of God's faithfulness and protection over His people, similar to the Passover in its commemoration of deliverance.

which were written into the record
The recording of these events signifies their importance and permanence. In ancient times, written records were crucial for preserving history and legal decrees. This documentation ensured that future generations would remember the miraculous deliverance and the establishment of Purim. The act of writing also aligns with the biblical emphasis on the importance of remembering God's works, as seen in other scriptural accounts where significant events are recorded for posterity, such as the giving of the Law at Sinai.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
The Jewish queen of Persia who played a pivotal role in saving her people from annihilation. Her decree solidified the celebration of Purim.

2. Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian, who became a prominent figure in the Persian court and was instrumental in the events leading to the establishment of Purim.

3. Purim
A Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them, as recorded in the Book of Esther.

4. Persia
The empire where these events took place, under the rule of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).

5. The Record
The official documentation of the decree, ensuring the observance of Purim for future generations.

Teaching Points

The Power of Decrees
Esther's decree shows the importance of formalizing and remembering God's deliverance. In our lives, we should establish practices that remind us of God's faithfulness.

God's Sovereignty
The events of Purim remind us that God is in control, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned. Trust in His unseen hand guiding our circumstances.

Courage and Influence
Esther's courage to act within her position of influence is a model for us to use our roles and opportunities to effect positive change and stand for righteousness.

Community and Celebration
The establishment of Purim emphasizes the importance of community and collective remembrance. Engage in communal worship and celebration of God's works.

Legacy of Faith
Just as Esther's decree was written into the record, we should strive to leave a legacy of faith and obedience for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Esther's role in the establishment of Purim inspire you to use your influence for God's purposes today?

2. In what ways can you formalize and remember God's deliverance in your own life, similar to the decree of Purim?

3. How does the account of Esther and the celebration of Purim encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty, even when His presence is not immediately visible?

4. What are some practical ways you can engage with your community to celebrate and remember God's faithfulness?

5. How can the legacy of faith seen in Esther's decree motivate you to leave a spiritual legacy for future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17
The battle against Amalek, from whom Haman descended, showing a historical enmity between the Israelites and Amalekites.

Deuteronomy 25
The command to remember what Amalek did to Israel, highlighting the ongoing struggle and eventual victory over their enemies.

Psalm 124
A psalm of deliverance, reflecting the theme of God's protection and salvation, akin to the deliverance celebrated during Purim.

Romans 8
The assurance of God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him, paralleling the deliverance seen in Esther.

Sermons

Valuable Lessons from Unpromising Materials	F. Hastings	Esther 9:32
The Effects of Deliverance	W. Dinwiddle	Esther 9:17-32

People

Abihail, Adalia, Ahasuerus, Aridai, Aridatha, Arisai, Aspatha, Dalphon, Esther, Haman, Hammedatha, Mordecai, Parmashta, Parshandatha, Poratha, Vajezatha

Places

Susa

Topics

Book, Command, Commandment, Confirmed, Customs, Decree, Established, Esther, Fixed, Force, Law, Matters, Order, Practices, Purim, Queen, Recorded, Records, Regulations, Rules, Saying, Writing, Written

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Esther 9:29-32

7915 confirmation

Library

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Tiberias.
All the Jews declare, almost with one consent, that this was a fortified city from ancient times, even from the days of Joshua, and was the same with Rakkath, of which mention is made, Joshua 19:35. "Rakkath is Tiberias," say the Jerusalem Gemarists. And those of Babylon say the same, and that more largely: "It is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias." And when, after a few lines, this of Rabbi Jochanan was objected, "When I was a boy, I said a certain thing, concerning which I asked the elders, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land.
I. Let us begin with that canon concerning reading the Book of Esther in the feast of Purim. "Towns that were begirt with walls from the days of Joshua read it on the fifteenth day" of the month Adar: "Villages and great cities read it the fourteenth day": "Unless that the villages anticipate it, to the day of the congregation." You see a threefold distinction of cities and towns: 1. Fortifications, or towns girt with walls from the days of Joshua. But whence shall we know them? They are those which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Esther
The spirit of the book of Esther is anything but attractive. It is never quoted or referred to by Jesus or His apostles, and it is a satisfaction to think that in very early times, and even among Jewish scholars, its right to a place in the canon was hotly contested. Its aggressive fanaticism and fierce hatred of all that lay outside of Judaism were felt by the finer spirits to be false to the more generous instincts that lay at the heart of the Hebrew religion; but by virtue of its very intensity …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

Esther 9:32 NIV
Esther 9:32 NLT
Esther 9:32 ESV
Esther 9:32 NASB
Esther 9:32 KJV

Esther 9:32 Commentaries

Bible Hub