5. Pur, Purim
Meaning: a lot, lots
a festival instituted by the Jews (Esther 9:24-32) in ironical commemoration of
Haman's consultation of the Pur (a Persian word), for the purpose of
ascertaining the auspicious day for executing his cruel plot against their nation
It became a national institution by the common consent of the Jews, and is
observed by them to the present day, on the 14th and 15th of the month Adar, a
month before the Passover.
6. I. INTRODUCTION
TO THE BOOK OF ESTHER
AUTHOR: Uncertain DATE: c. 465 B.C.
Authorship Though his name is unknown to us, the author was evidently a Jew
(Jewish nationalism permeates the book) who was personally acquainted with
details of the reign of Ahasuerus and the palace in Shushan. He must have written
the book shortly after the close of Ahasuerus’s reign, since that administration is
spoken of in the past tense (10:2-3).
Historical Setting The events of this book cover a ten-year portion (483-473) of
the reign of Xerxes I (486-465). Ahasuerus is the Hebrew form of his name,
equivalent to the Persian Khshayarsha and the Greek Xerxes. The events occurred
between those recorded in the sixt and seventh chapters of Ezra (see the
Introduction to Ezra for further background).
Theme Though the name of God is now here mentioned in the book. His
sovereignty and providence are evident throughout. Vashti’s dismissal, Esther’s
regal position, Xerxes’ indebtedness to Mordecai discovered during a sleepless
night, and the miraculous deliverance of the Jews all demonstrate God’s control and
care for His people (Ps. 121:4). The book also explains the origin of the Feast of
Purim (2 Macc. 15:36) and the 13th and 14th days of Adar (Feb.-Mar) when Jews
celebrate the deliverance from Haman.
Historical Accuracy Objections raised about the historicity of Esther include the
following: (1) Secular history fails to mention Vahsti or Esther as queens during the
reign of Xerxes. However, Herodotus, who often omits mention of important people
(like Belshazzar, Dan. 5), does report that Xerxes sought consolation in his harem
after his defeat at Salamis, which was in the year Esther was made queen (Esther
2:16; Herodotus 7.7). (2) It is alleged (from Esther 2:5-6) that Xerxes was a near
successor to Nebuchadnezzar, since the passage appears to say that Mordecai was
deported by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 and yet was still living during the reign of
Xerxes. However, the antecedent of who in verse 6 is not Mordecai but Kish, his
great-grandfather.
7. (3) Objection is raise concerning the account of the slaying of seventy-five thousand
enemies of the Jews in one day, and without apparent interference from the
Persians (Esther 9:16-17). Though unusual, this was by no means impossible, in
light of known Persian callousness toward human life and of the pre-planned
arming of the Jews (8:13).
Contents Undoubtedly 4:14 is the best known verse in the book, emphasizing the
theme of God’s control of all events.
Esther 4
14 For if you remain silent at this time,
relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place,
but you and your father’s family will perish.
And who knows but that you have come
to royal position for such a time as this?
8. II. OUTLINE OF ESTHER
I. The Danger to God’s People, 1:1-3:15
A. The Divorce of Vashti, 1:1-22
B. The Discovery of Esther, 2:1-20
C. The Devotion of Mordecai, 2:21-23
D. The Decree of Haman, 3:1-15
II. The Decision of God’s Servant, 4:1-5:14
A. Mordecai’s Appeal to Esther, 4:1-14
B. Esther’s Answer to Mordecai, 4:15-17
C. Esther’s Audience with King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), 5:1-8
D. Haman’s Arrogance over Mordecai, 5:9-14
II. The Deliverance of God’s People, 6:1-10:3
A. The Defeat of Haman, 6:1-7:10
1. Haman humbled, 6:1-14
2. Haman hanged, 7:1-10
B. The Decree of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and Mordecai, 8:1-17
C. The Defeat of Israel’s Enemies, 9:1-19
D. The Days of Purim, 9:20-32
E. The Description of Mordecai’s Fame, 10:1-3
9. ■ Source of Commentaries and Outline and Bible Verses: The RYRIE Study Bible – New International
Version
■ Source of Images: Photobucket & Free Bible Images
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