Adar is the twelfth month of the Jewish religious calendar and the sixth month of the civil calendar. It typically falls between February and March in the Gregorian calendar. The name "Adar" is of Babylonian origin, like many of the names of the months in the Jewish calendar, which were adopted during the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References and Significance

While the month of Adar is not explicitly mentioned by name in the Berean Standard Bible, its significance is derived from events recorded in the Scriptures, particularly in the Book of Esther. Adar is most notably associated with the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recounted in the Book of Esther.

In Esther 3:7 , the casting of lots, or "Pur," is described: "In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar." This verse marks the beginning of the events leading to the establishment of Purim.

The deliverance itself is celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of Adar, as described in Esther 9:20-22 : "Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far, to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration."

Cultural and Religious Observances

Adar is a month of joy and celebration for the Jewish people, primarily due to the festival of Purim. The festival is marked by reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther), giving gifts of food to friends (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim), and enjoying a festive meal (se'udat Purim). The joy of Adar is often encapsulated in the Talmudic saying, "When Adar enters, joy increases."

In leap years, an additional month, Adar II, is added to the Jewish calendar to align it with the solar year. In such years, Purim is celebrated in Adar II, while Adar I is considered a "regular" month without the observance of Purim.

Historical Context

The month of Adar, like other months in the Jewish calendar, reflects the historical and religious journey of the Jewish people. The adoption of Babylonian month names during the exile is a testament to the Jewish people's resilience and ability to maintain their identity and traditions even in foreign lands. The events of Purim, set in the Persian Empire, further highlight the theme of divine providence and deliverance that runs throughout the Jewish narrative.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the events of Adar, particularly the account of Purim, underscore the themes of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providential care and protection of His people are evident. The celebration of Purim in Adar serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the reversal of fortunes for those who trust in Him.

Adar, therefore, holds a significant place in the Jewish calendar, not only as the conclusion of the year but also as a time of reflection on God's enduring covenant with His people.Ezra 6:15
And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
Nave's Topical Index

Esther 3:7
In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
Nave's Topical Index

Esther 8:12
On one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
Nave's Topical Index

Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
Nave's Topical Index

143. Adar -- the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar
... 142, 143. Adar. 144 . the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar. Transliteration:
Adar Phonetic Spelling: (ad-awr') Short Definition: Adar. ...
/hebrew/143.htm - 6k

144. Adar -- the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar
... Adar. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to Adar Definition the twelfth
month in the Jewish calendar NASB Word Usage Adar (1). Adar. ...
/hebrew/144.htm - 6k

Christ's Birth
... the insertion after the twelfth month, Adar, of a thirteenth or intercalary month,
called Second Adar. ... Kislev was the ninth month, corresponding approximately ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

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