LESSON 17
DAY 5
The Feast of Purim Established (Esther 9:20–32)
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
FEAST OF PURIM The Feast of Purim ( purim being the Hebrew word for lots ) is a Jewish holiday celebrating the deliverance of the Jews as recorded in the book of Esther. Haman, prime minister to King Xerxes, was insulted by Mordecai, a Jewish leader, who refused to bow down to him. In his anger Haman convinced the king that all Jews were rebellious and deserved to be destroyed. The king gave the decree and Haman used lots, or purim, to set the date of the geno- cide. Unbeknownst to the king or Haman, Esther was a Jew and Mordecai’s niece. She put her life on the line to appeal to the king to save her people. The appeal worked, and the king had Haman killed. The first edict written by Haman on behalf of the king to kill the Jews could not be revoked, but the king allowed Mordecai to write another decree in the king’s name and have it read in all of the provinces. This edict allowed the Jews to assemble and protect themselves by fighting back. On the day that the annihilation was to happen, no one could stand against the Jews, and many enemies were killed. To celebrate the victory, Mordecai instituted the Feast of Purim to be celebrated annually. Today this feast includes reading the book of Esther, giving gifts of food to friends, and eating a big meal. 52
1. Read Esther 9:20–22. In your own words, explain the celebration of Purim and what the Jews were to remember.
2. Read Esther 9:23–32. Summarize the end of this chapter.
52 “What is the Feast of Purim?” Got Questions: Your Questions, Biblical Answers. March 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/Feast-of-Purim.html
Esther 9:1–10:3 | 177
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