Topical Bible: Month: Adar (March)

◄ Month: Adar (March) ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Overview:
Adar is the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to February-March in the Gregorian calendar. It is a month of significant historical and religious importance in the Jewish tradition, particularly noted for the celebration of Purim. The name "Adar" is of Babylonian origin, reflecting the period of the Jewish exile in Babylon.

Biblical Significance:
Adar is most prominently mentioned in the Book of Esther, where it is the month in which the Jewish people were delivered from a plot to annihilate them. Esther 9:1 states, "On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be executed." This verse sets the stage for the events leading to the festival of Purim, a time of joy and celebration for the Jewish people.

Purim:
The festival of Purim, celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar, commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot, as recorded in the Book of Esther. Esther 9:22 describes the observance: "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." Purim is marked by reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther), giving gifts of food, charity to the poor, and festive meals.

Historical Context:
Adar was a time of preparation for the Passover, which occurs in the following month of Nisan. In the post-exilic period, the Jewish community would use this time to ensure they were ritually pure and ready for the pilgrimage festival. The month of Adar was also significant for the collection of the half-shekel temple tax, as mentioned in Exodus 30:13-16, which was due before the start of the new year in Nisan.

Cultural and Religious Practices:
In addition to Purim, Adar is a month associated with joy and good fortune. The Talmud states, "When Adar enters, joy increases" (Taanit 29a), reflecting the positive outcomes and divine providence experienced by the Jewish people during this time. It is customary for Jewish communities to engage in acts of charity and kindness, embodying the spirit of unity and gratitude.

Conclusion:
Adar holds a special place in the Jewish calendar as a time of deliverance and joy. Its biblical roots in the story of Esther highlight themes of faith, courage, and divine intervention. For Christians, the month of Adar serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, encouraging believers to trust in His providential care and to celebrate His deliverance in their own lives.

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

Library

Syriac Calendar.
... Month / Syrian / Hebrew. October / Tishri prior / Tishri, or Ethanim. ... February /
Shubat / Shebat. March / Adar / Adar. April / Nisan / Nisan. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/syriac calendar.htm

The Stater in the Fish. (Matt. , xvii. , 27. )
... probably took place at the time set apart for collecting the Temple tribute of half
an ounce of silver, ie, the month Adar, corresponding nearly to our March. ...
/.../section 191 the stater in.htm

The New Temple and Its Worship
... How long the dedication was after the completion is not specified. The month Adar
was the last of the Jewish year, and corresponded nearly with our March. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm

How John Tyrannized Over the Rest; and what Mischiefs the Zealots ...
... and entered that city on the fourth day of the month Dystrus [Adar]; for the ... getting
into the village; and causing his horse to march continually on ...
/.../chapter 7 how john tyrannized.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... himself to the statue of Bel-Merodach in the first days of the month Nisan which ...
use of his valour, if the dread of the gods had not preceded his march, and if ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... On the march he fell in with a Persian groom named OEbaras,* who had been cruelly
scourged for some misdeed, and was occupied in the transportation of manure ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the rebellion being mercilessly crushed on the 2nd of Adar.*. ... delay: "Go, do not
hesitate, for we march with thee ... cold and nocturnal frosts of the month of Sebat ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm