Purim’s Triumph: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Esther 9 – The Festival of Purim Established

Executive Summary

Esther 9 meticulously chronicles the Jews’ divinely orchestrated triumph over their enemies, fulfilling Mordecai’s decree of retaliation. It details the widespread slaughter of those who plotted their destruction, particularly focusing on Shushan and the broader provinces. The chapter culminates in the formal establishment of Purim, a joyous two-day festival commemorating their deliverance. This celebration, marked by feasting, gladness, sending portions to one another, and giving gifts to the poor, serves as an enduring testament to God’s unwavering protection and faithfulness. Through Purim, the Jews are forever reminded to remember, honor, and transmit this momentous occasion to future generations, ensuring that God’s saving acts are never forgotten. The chapter emphasizes the vital importance of remembering God’s interventions in our lives, and the spiritual necessity of sharing our blessings with those in need, echoing themes found throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Esther 9 stands as a powerful narrative of divine reversal and lasting remembrance, underscoring the profound implications of God’s promises and the importance of communal celebration. This passage is more than just a historical account; it is a theological tapestry woven with themes of divine providence, vengeance, and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Today, we’ll delve into each verse, exploring its historical context, theological significance, and practical applications for our lives as Coptic Orthodox Christians. The story teaches us the importance of remembering God’s interventions and standing firm in our faith, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. As we celebrate such events, consider creating a beautiful website to share your celebrations, consider a beautiful design with website design.

Commentary: Esther 9 – Verse by Verse

Esther 9:1 (KJV)

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

Esther 9:1 (NKJV)

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.

This verse sets the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortune. Adar, the twelfth month in the Hebrew calendar (roughly corresponding to March), marks the intended day of the Jews’ annihilation. Instead, it becomes the day of their triumph. The phrase “turned to the contrary” highlights the divine intervention. God takes what was meant for evil and uses it for good, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Think of Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Spiritual Application: Even when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges, we must remember that God is sovereign and can turn any situation around for our good. We should remain steadfast in our faith and trust in His divine providence.

Esther 9:2 (KJV)

The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

Esther 9:2 (NKJV)

The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people.

This verse emphasizes the widespread nature of the Jews’ defense. They gathered “in their cities throughout all the provinces,” showing a unified response to the threat. The statement “no man could withstand them” underscores the divine protection afforded to them. This is reminiscent of God’s promise to Israel in Deuteronomy 11:25: “No one will be able to stand against you; the Lord your God, as he promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on all the land, wherever you go.” The “fear of them” is a sign of God’s hand at work, paralyzing their enemies.

Spiritual Application: There is power in unity. When believers stand together in faith and righteousness, they become a formidable force against evil. We are to seek fellowship and support within the Church to overcome adversity, knowing that God is with us.

Esther 9:3-4 (KJV)

And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

Esther 9:3-4 (NKJV)

And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s business, helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent.

The surprising support from the Persian officials demonstrates the extent of Mordecai’s influence. The “fear of Mordecai” highlights his rising power and reputation. This serves as an example of how God can elevate His people to positions of influence to protect and bless others. Mordecai’s increasing prominence echoes the story of Daniel in Babylon, where a righteous man’s influence led to the welfare of his people. His rise to power helped him advocate for them and ensure their protection. Consider, as Mordecai did, that there are modern ways to achieve that promotion, from mastering your SEO with a professional SEO service, to designing an appropriate online profile.

Spiritual Application: We should strive for excellence in our endeavors, not for personal gain, but so that we can be instruments of God’s blessing in the world. God can use our gifts and talents to influence others for good. Mordecai’s story reminds us that God places people in positions of authority to serve His purposes. We must be ready to use any influence we may have for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

Esther 9:5-10 (KJV)

Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, and Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

Esther 9:5-10 (NKJV)

Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them. And in Shushan the citadel the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. Also Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha, the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, they killed; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

These verses detail the violent but just retribution against those who sought to annihilate the Jews. The specific mention of the “ten sons of Haman” underscores the complete downfall of the evil plot. The phrase “did what they pleased with those who hated them” might seem harsh, but it reflects the reality of self-defense in a context where survival was at stake. The act of “laying not their hand on the spoil” is crucial. It distinguishes the Jews’ actions from a mere plundering raid. Their motivation was self-preservation, not greed. This contrasts with the behavior of their enemies who sought to enrich themselves by wiping them out.

Spiritual Application: While Christians are called to love their enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39, 44), this passage reminds us that justice and righteousness are important aspects of God’s character. There are times when self-defense and the protection of others are necessary. This passage serves as a reminder that evil exists and, at times, requires confrontation. However, our actions must always be tempered with righteousness and a desire for justice, never motivated by greed or vengeance. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to advocate for justice and protect the vulnerable.

Esther 9:11-15 (KJV)

On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request further? and it shall be done. Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day’s doing, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also, and slew three hundred men at Shushan: but on the prey they laid not their hand.

Esther 9:11-15 (NKJV)

On that day the number of those killed in Shushan the citadel was reported to the king. And the king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the citadel, and the ten sons of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It shall be granted to you. Or what is your further request? It shall be done.” Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do again tomorrow according to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” So the king commanded this to be done; the decree was issued in Shushan, and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. And the Jews who were in Shushan gathered together again on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and killed three hundred men at Shushan; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

This section highlights Esther’s continued influence and concern for her people. The king’s willingness to grant her request demonstrates the power of righteous intercession. Esther’s request to hang Haman’s sons posthumously might seem severe, but it served as a public declaration of their guilt and a warning to others who might contemplate similar actions. It also ensured that their line was extinguished, preventing future threats. The repeated emphasis on “laying not their hand on the prey” reinforces the purity of their motives.

Spiritual Application: We should emulate Esther’s example of interceding for others. Prayer is a powerful weapon, and we should use it to advocate for those in need. The act of hanging Haman’s sons serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and justice will ultimately prevail. We are to seek justice for those who are oppressed and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Esther 9:16-19 (KJV)

But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Esther 9:16-19 (NKJV)

And the remainder of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces gathered together and protected their lives; they had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth day of the same they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness. But the Jews who were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day, as well as on the fourteenth; and on the fifteenth day of the month they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages who dwelt in the unwalled towns celebrated the fourteenth day of the month of Adar with gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and for sending portions to one another.

This section differentiates between the Jews in Shushan and those in the provinces, leading to a two-day celebration. Those in the provinces rested on the 14th, while those in Shushan rested on the 15th. This distinction established two days of Purim: one for those in unwalled towns (villages) and one for those in walled cities (like Shushan). The act of “sending portions one to another” highlights the communal aspect of the celebration and the importance of sharing blessings with neighbors and friends. This is a foreshadowing of the agape feasts in the early Church.

Spiritual Application: We should always remember to give thanks to God for His blessings and share our abundance with others. Feasting and gladness are appropriate ways to celebrate God’s goodness. Sharing our blessings with others is an expression of our gratitude to God and strengthens the bonds of community. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to hospitality and generosity, reflecting the love of Christ in our actions.

Esther 9:20-28 (KJV)

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

Esther 9:20-28 (NKJV)

And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending portions to one another and gifts to the poor. So the Jews accepted the custom which they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them, because Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast Pur (that is, the lot), to consume them and destroy them; but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words in this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, the Jews established and imposed it on themselves and on their descendants and on all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time. These days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city. These days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and their memory should not perish among their descendants.

This section establishes the permanence of Purim as a festival. Mordecai’s letters ensured that the celebration would be observed “yearly” and “throughout every generation.” The reference to “Pur” (the lot) explains the origin of the name “Purim.” The key elements of the celebration are emphasized: feasting, joy, sharing portions, and giving gifts to the poor. These acts of generosity reflect the spirit of gratitude and compassion that should characterize God’s people. The commitment to remember and celebrate Purim across generations ensures that the story of God’s deliverance is never forgotten.

Spiritual Application: We should be diligent in teaching our children about God’s saving acts in the past, so they can learn to trust Him in the present and future. Remembering God’s faithfulness is essential for maintaining our faith and hope. The ongoing celebration of Purim reminds us of the importance of remembering God’s acts of deliverance and the necessity of passing on these stories to future generations. As Orthodox Christians, we have a rich tradition of remembering and celebrating God’s interventions in our lives, and we must ensure that these traditions are preserved and passed on.

Esther 9:29-32 (KJV)

Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Esther 9:29-32 (NKJV)

Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. And he sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed times, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting. So the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.

The final verses underscore the official nature of the establishment of Purim. Esther’s active role in confirming the decree demonstrates her continued authority and influence. The letters sent to all the provinces, “with words of peace and truth,” emphasize the importance of unity and faithfulness. The reference to “fasting and lamenting” suggests that Purim replaced a time of sorrow with a time of joy. The fact that the decree was “written in the book” ensures its permanence and authority within Jewish tradition. “Written in the book” emphasizes its permanence and historical significance. This reminds us of the importance of written records in preserving history and faith.

Spiritual Application: We should embrace the traditions and practices of our faith with reverence and respect, knowing that they are rooted in God’s faithfulness and designed to bless us. The consistency in remembering the Lord, by creating events like Purim, encourages the believers to be actively involved. God gives us leaders who help us understand and follow His will.

Key Reflections on Purim

Here are some key reflections and teachings gleaned from Esther 9:

• Divine Reversal: God has the power to turn situations around for the good of His people. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, we should trust in His sovereignty. ✨
• Power of Unity: There is strength in unity. When believers stand together in faith and righteousness, they become a powerful force against evil.🤝
• Influence for Good: God can elevate His people to positions of influence to protect and bless others. We should strive to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others. 💡
• Justice and Righteousness: Justice and righteousness are important aspects of God’s character. We should advocate for the oppressed and seek justice for those who are wronged. ⚖️
• Remembrance and Gratitude: Remembering God’s faithfulness and expressing gratitude for His blessings are essential for maintaining our faith and hope. 📖
• Generosity and Compassion: We should share our blessings with those in need, reflecting the love of Christ in our actions. ❤️

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Purim:

• Q: What is the significance of the name “Purim”?

  A: The name “Purim” comes from the word “Pur,” which means “lot.” Haman cast lots to determine the day to annihilate the Jews, but God turned his evil plan against him, leading to the celebration of Purim.

• Q: How is Purim celebrated today?

  A: Purim is celebrated with feasting, joy, reading the Book of Esther, sending portions of food to one another, and giving gifts to the poor. It is a time of great rejoicing and remembrance of God’s deliverance.

• Q: What are the spiritual lessons we can learn from Purim?

  A: Purim teaches us about God’s sovereignty, the importance of standing up for what is right, the power of prayer and intercession, and the need to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout history.

• Q: How does Purim relate to Coptic Orthodox traditions?

  A: While Purim is a Jewish holiday, the themes of divine intervention, deliverance from oppression, and the importance of remembering God’s acts are universal themes that resonate with Coptic Orthodox beliefs and traditions. We can draw parallels to our own liturgical celebrations and commemorations of saints and martyrs who have overcome adversity through faith.

Conclusion

Esther 9 – The Festival of Purim Established is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness and His ability to turn even the most dire circumstances into moments of triumph. The establishment of Purim as an annual festival serves as a constant reminder to the Jewish people – and indeed, to all believers – to never forget God’s interventions in their lives. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we can glean valuable spiritual lessons from this chapter, including the importance of standing firm in our faith, interceding for others, and remembering God’s saving acts. Let us emulate the spirit of Purim by celebrating God’s goodness, sharing our blessings with those in need, and ensuring that the story of His faithfulness is passed on to future generations. May we always be mindful of God’s presence and working in our lives, transforming moments of sorrow into times of joy. And as we remember these stories, let us also improve our presence online with website builder.

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Explore Esther 9: The Festival of Purim Established with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover its spiritual meaning, historical context, and modern-day applications for a life rooted in faith. [Auto-generated Meta Description: Dive into Esther 9’s depths with insightful verse-by-verse commentary and learn how to apply its timeless message to your daily life as a Coptic Orthodox Christian, remembering God’s deliverance and establishing a life of faithfulness and gratitude.].