Topical Encyclopedia Phurim, more commonly known as Purim, is a Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Book of Esther. The term "Purim" is derived from the word "pur," meaning "lot," as Haman, the antagonist in the account, cast lots to determine the day on which he would execute his plan against the Jews (Esther 3:7).Biblical Account The narrative of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, a canonical text in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The account unfolds during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the king's court, harbored a deep-seated animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him (Esther 3:2-6). Haman's hatred led him to devise a scheme to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire. He cast lots (purim) to choose the date for this genocide, which fell on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar (Esther 3:7). Haman then persuaded King Ahasuerus to issue a decree authorizing the extermination of the Jews (Esther 3:8-11). Mordecai, upon learning of the decree, sought the help of his cousin Esther, who had become queen. Esther courageously approached the king, risking her life, and invited him and Haman to a banquet. During the second banquet, Esther revealed her Jewish identity and exposed Haman's plot (Esther 7:1-6). The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, ordered Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). Following Haman's execution, Mordecai was elevated to a position of power, and a new decree was issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:8-11). On the appointed day, the Jews triumphed over their adversaries, and the threat was averted (Esther 9:1-2). Observance and Significance The festival of Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th and 15th days of Adar, commemorating the Jews' deliverance. The Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah, is read in synagogues, and the day is marked by feasting, giving gifts to friends (mishloach manot), and charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim) (Esther 9:20-22). Purim is a time of joy and celebration, reflecting the themes of divine providence and the reversal of fortune. Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providential care and protection of His people are evident throughout the narrative. The account of Purim serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of courage and faith in the face of adversity. Smith's Bible Dictionary Phurim(Esther 11:1) [PURIM] Library Book 11 Footnotes Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... Resources What is the Feast of Purim? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.org Purim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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