The Feast of Purim: A Celebration of God’s Deliverance

The Feast of Purim is a joyful celebration rooted in one of the most dramatic and inspiring stories in the Bible—the story of Queen Esther, found in the book named after her. While Purim is widely known as a festive holiday observed in Jewish communities, its themes of God’s providence, deliverance, and courage have meaning for all believers. Let’s explore the biblical background, the historical significance, and the deeper spiritual lessons Purim offers.

The Story Behind Purim: The Book of Esther

The feast of Purim finds its origins in the events described in the book of Esther. During the time of the Persian Empire, the Jewish people were living under King Ahasuerus (believed to be Xerxes I). The king’s second-in-command, Haman, developed a deep hatred for the Jewish people when Mordechai (a Jew) refused to bow down to him. In his anger, Haman devised a plot to have all the Jews throughout the empire killed, setting the date for their destruction by casting lots (or purim in Hebrew).

Mordechai’s niece, Esther, had been chosen earlier as queen, though the king did not know she was Jewish. Mordechai urged Esther to risk her life by revealing her identity and interceding with the king on behalf of her people. Mordechai’s famous words in Esther 4:14 encapsulate the heart of Purim:
"Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:14, ESV)

Esther courageously approached the king and, through a series of providential events, exposed Haman’s plot. The king reversed the decree, and the Jewish people were saved. Instead of being annihilated, they were given the opportunity to defend themselves, and they emerged victorious over their enemies. 

The Meaning of Purim

The name Purim comes from the Hebrew word pur, meaning “lot,” referring to the lots Haman cast to choose the date for the Jewish people’s destruction. This seemingly random method underscores one of the central themes of Purim: God’s hidden hand guiding events, even when He is not mentioned explicitly. In fact, the book of Esther is unique in the Bible because it does not mention God by name at all—yet His presence is unmistakable throughout the story. This reminds believers that even when we don’t see or feel God’s presence, He is always working behind the scenes.

Purim is a celebration of God's protection and faithfulness to His people, even in the darkest times. It also teaches the importance of individual courage and obedience, as seen in Esther’s willingness to step out in faith to save her people.

How Purim Is Celebrated

Purim is traditionally observed with great joy and celebration. Here are some of the key ways it is observed in Jewish communities:

The Spiritual Lessons of Purim for Believers Today

Though Purim is not one of the feasts commanded in the Torah, it carries significant lessons for both Jewish and non-Jewish believers. For followers of Yeshua (Jesus), the story of Esther points to several powerful themes:

Conclusion: A Time of Joyful Remembrance

The Feast of Purim is more than just a joyful celebration—it is a powerful reminder of God’s unseen hand working for the good of His people. It calls us to trust in His providence, even when we can’t see His plan, and to walk in courage, knowing that we are part of His purposes.

As you reflect on the story of Esther, may you be reminded that God is always at work in your life, even in the most challenging situations. And like Esther, may we all have the courage to say "yes" to God’s call, trusting that we are placed exactly where we are for such a time as this.

Discussion Questions for Your Group:

I hope this helps your group engage with the Feast of Purim in a meaningful way!

The discussion questions above can be asked in a group setting, and we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!