It is Purim, the Feast of Esther, and the Feast of Lots. “Purim” means “lots.” It is a minor Jewish holiday celebrated on the 14th and/or 15th of Adar II in the Hebrew calendar. It is held on the evening of March 23th, concluding on the evening of March 24th.

It commemorates the times of Esther, when God delivered the Jews from destruction and annihilation. The decree of annihilation was issued by Haman, the Prime Minister of Persia, which was scheduled for the 13th of Adar.

“Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.”

Esther 3:13

Haman hated the Jews and also despised Mordechai for not bowing down to him. In addition to Haman’s hateful decree against the Jews, he devised a plan to have Mordechai killed on gallows that stood 75 feet high. Positively, God reversed every evil plan against Mordechai and the Jews! This happened with a strategic plan. Mordechai stressed to Esther the importance of utilizing her position as queen for the deliverance of the Jews.

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:13-14 👑

Esther utilized her royal position as queen to make a request from the king on behalf of her people…the Jews. The king granted her request. Mordechai was also honored! Together, Esther and Mordechai, were able to make another decree which allowed the Jews to defend themselves.

 The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies. The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.  A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

Esther 8:11-13 👑

In addition to that, Haman was defeated and killed upon the same gallows that he prepared for Mordechai. The Jews received deliverance and victory!

This feast is a time of joy, celebration, feasting, and eating pastries. Always know that God is fighting our battles behind the scenes. He is able to turn any situation around in His perfect timing! God protects and God delivers! To God be the Glory!