Queen Esther: Understanding Purim

Purim, pronounced "poo-REEM," begins at sundown today, Monday, March 2, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar). The name Purim comes from the word “pur,” meaning “lot,” because Haman cast lots to determine the date for the destruction of the people of G-d (Jewish people) (Esther 3:7). What was intended for evil, the Most High turned into victory. Though Purim is not one of the Levitical feasts (Leviticus 23), it celebrates the same covenant faithfulness of G-d. Families and congregations all over the world tonight will read the Megillah, the entire book of Esther, and the Additions of Esther (in Protestant traditions, these texts are part of the Apocrypha as separate texts).

G-d’s name is never mentioned in Esther; however, His divine plan for the salvation of His people is evident and foreshadows the work of Yeshua, our Savior.

For those who have never read the book of Esther, here is an outline of the story:

• Esther and Mordekhai, from the tribe of Benjamin, are living in Shushan, Persia, and Esther is chosen to be the new queen, wife of King Achashverosh (Esther 1:1-2:18)

• Mordekhai discovers a plan to assassinate the King (Esther 2:19-23)

• Haman is promoted to a high-ranking official and plots to annihilate the Jews (G-d's chosen people) (Esther 3)

• Mordekhai learns of the plot, and Queen Esther agrees to help her people (Esther 4)

• Queen Esther calls a fast, and on the third day, risks her life by approaching the king uninvited and invites King Achashverosh and Haman to a banquet (Esther 5:1-8)

• Haman devises his plan to hang Mordekhai on the gallows he has built (Esther 5:9-14)

• King Achashverosh honors Mordekhai (Esther 6)

• Queen Esther reveals Haman's plan to destroy G-d's people during the banquet, and Haman is hanged on the gallows he had built to hang Mordekhai (Esther 7)

• Queen Esther saves her people (G-d's people), and the Jews destroy their enemies (Esther 8:1-9:19)

• Purim is established (Esther 9:20-32)

• Mordekhai is promoted to second only to King Achashverosh (Esther 10)

Though in exile, Esther and Mordekhai were chosen to be part of the Most High's plan. It is through courage, fasting, obedience, and divine providence that the evil plot was exposed, and the Jewish people (G-d's Chosen People) were saved, and their mourning turned into joy. Esther 9:22 CJB affirms this,

"[to commemorate] the days on which the Jews obtained rest from their enemies and the month which for them was turned from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; they were to make them days of celebrating and rejoicing, sending portions [of food] to each other and giving gifts to the poor."

Thus, Purim is a time of celebration and rejoicing. To honor Purim, some people share plays retelling the story of Esther, give gifts to the poor, celebrate with family and friends, and enjoy lavish, joyous feasts in their congregations. They also eat hamantaschen, which are triangular pastries filled with fruit, poppy seeds, or chocolate and meant to represent Haman's hat or ears.

However you choose to celebrate Purim, there are key themes we must remember:

The Providence of G-d

The Most High is working even when we cannot see Him or hear Holy Spirit. Even when it seems like G-d is silent, He is actively orchestrating the events of our lives and working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Purim reminds us that the Most High is always working on our behalf.

Meditate on Psalm 121, which reminds us that we can have confidence that G-d is our protector and provider, and He watches over and cares for His children.

Courage, obedience, and intercession can change history

Esther’s words, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), demonstrate sacrificial obedience and courage. She had been chosen for such a time as this. Esther had no idea what the outcome would be for going before the king uninvited, but she knew that if she did nothing, she and her people were doomed to die. She stood in the gap for her people. Her faith and courage changed the entire plan that evil Haman had planned for the people of G-d. Similarly, Yeshua was obedient even to death, the ultimate sacrifice, that we may live eternally with the Most High and not be utterly destroyed. Evil does not have the final say. The Messiah died, offering Himself as a sacrifice, and conquered death, hell, and the grave so that we may live forever with the Most High (Philippians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 15; John 3:16; Revelation 1:18).

Moreover, Yeshua is standing in the gap for us. The Messiah is at the right hand of G-d, forever making intercession for each of us (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). Accepting Yeshua as our Savior changes our lives forever. Our story has been changed through the works of Yeshua.

Reversal and Redemption

Haman meant destruction, but the Most High made it become deliverance (Esther 9:1). G-d reversed the curse. Haman’s decree of death was overturned. Through the Messiah, who conquered the power of sin and death, we have been set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). They (sin and death) have been overturned, and in fellowship with Yeshua, we have full access to the Most High. Messiah redeemed us from the curse pronounced in the Torah by becoming cursed on our behalf so that we might receive the blessing announced to Avraham and the promised Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14).

Brothers and sisters in the Messiah, know that we, too, have been chosen and purposed for such a time as this. All glory to the Most High for His plan to redeem His children!

Purim is a reminder that G-d Most High, who delivered Israel in Persia, is the same G-d who brings ultimate redemption through Messiah Yeshua.

Blessing for Purim

Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,

who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

Greetings for Purim!

Chag Purim Sameach (Happy Purim)