Topical Encyclopedia Pur, a term derived from the Persian language, signifies "lot" and is notably referenced in the biblical Book of Esther. The casting of lots, or "Pur," plays a pivotal role in the narrative of Esther, particularly in the context of the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.In the Book of Esther, Haman, an official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), casts lots to determine the date on which he would execute his plan to destroy the Jews. Esther 3:7 states, "In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and a month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar." The casting of Pur was a common practice in ancient cultures, often used to make decisions or discern divine will. In this instance, Haman's use of Pur was intended to select an auspicious day for his malevolent scheme. However, the narrative unfolds with a dramatic reversal, as Queen Esther, a Jewess, intercedes with the king, revealing Haman's plot and securing the safety of her people. The outcome of these events is celebrated annually during the festival of Purim, named after the lots cast by Haman. Esther 9:24-26 explains, "For Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them. But when it came to the king’s attention, he issued a written order that the wicked scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Therefore these days are called Purim, from the word Pur." Theologically, the casting of Pur in the Book of Esther underscores the providence of God, who, though not mentioned explicitly in the text, orchestrates events to protect His covenant people. The seemingly random act of casting lots is transformed into a demonstration of divine sovereignty, as God turns the intended curse into a blessing for the Jews. The celebration of Purim, as established in Esther 9:20-22 , involves feasting, rejoicing, and the giving of gifts to one another and to the poor, reflecting the joy and relief of the Jewish people at their deliverance: "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 rest from their enemies—the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote to them to observe these days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor." Thus, Pur, the lot, serves as a reminder of God's hidden yet active presence in the affairs of His people, turning what was meant for evil into good, and ensuring the survival and prosperity of the Jewish nation. Nave's Topical Index Esther 3:7In 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 Strong's Hebrew 6332. Pur -- "a lot," a Jewish feast... Pur, Purim. Also (plural) Puwriym {poo-reem'}; or Puriym {poo-reem'}; from puwr; a lot (as by means of a broken piece) -- Pur, Purim. see HEBREW puwr. ... /hebrew/6332.htm - 6k Library The Net Spread Esther Queen Esther's Love for Her People Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ... John iv. 28, 29 In the Beginning God Made the Heaven and the Earth. Homiletical. The Mystery An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Resources Pur: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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