“Go! Gather together all the Jews who are in Shushan and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast in the same way. Afterwards, I will go in to the king, even though it is not according to the law. So, if I perish, I perish!” Esther 4:16, TLV
For Such a Time as This. פורים שמח (Happy Purim!) Today we celebrate the memorial of Esther and Mordechai’s faith with the “Feast of Lots”. If you aren’t familiar with Esther—or Hadassah, her true Hebrew name—then I highly recommend read this short book of the Bible. It’s filled with intrigue, love, assassination attempts, evil plots, secrets, an unlikely hero, and so much more.
There’s a saying among the Jewish people: “They tried to kill us. God saved us. Let’s eat!” And today, Jewish people and Christians who celebrate the Biblical feasts and memorials, will dine on wonderful meals, and enjoy hamantaschen* (loosely translated Haman’s Hat) for dessert.
Even though Purim is a joyous celebration for families—dressing in costumes and giving away goodies to the neighbors—this was a serious point in history. A time when the entire Jewish population could have been wiped out. (Sound familiar?)
An overview
The story begins around the 5th century BCE, when the Jewish people were marked for death
by their Persian rulers.
The instigator of this genocide was Haman, chief minister of King Ahasuerus. Haman was incensed that Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow down in worship to Haman. The chief minister convinced the king that the Jews living under Persian rule were rebellious and should be slaughtered. With the king’s consent, Haman set a date for the execution (the 13th day of the month of Adar) by casting lots (purim) and then to add another layer of sinister, he built a gallows for Mordecai.
By the way, Haman was an Agagite and the son of Hammedatha. Haman was likely a descendent of Agag, king of the Amalekites, long-time enemies of the Jewish people.
God had told King Saul to destroy the Amalekites centuries earlier (1 Samuel 15:3), but Saul failed to obey the command. His disobedience led to the loss of his kingdom and, in Esther’s time, the threat of annihilation for all Jews.
Meanwhile Mordecai’s ward—his niece—Esther/Hadassah had been crowned queen. Her uncle had forbidden her to reveal that she was Jewish before the edict was even an idea. But GOD knew.
When the edict of the upcoming slaughter was announced to all Persian ruled territories, Mordecai asked Esther to intervene. But she was afraid because the King had not called on her in some time—what with the harem and all.
Mordecai scolds Esther and introduces the concept that perhaps she had found this royal favor for such a time as this.
The rest of the story is a lesson for us all in how to approach great challenges and acts of sacrifice.
What about us?
Sometimes God positions us in places of favor. We’re grateful and probably enjoy the comforts of that favor. But what if we were placed in this position to step out in faith to speak up for injustices or abuse? Speaking up even at the risk of losing it all?
Are we ready? Willing?
Whether we’re in a favorable position or a challenging one, our Father may ask us to take that step of faith and do what we feel is impossible or risky.
Let’s eat!
As we celebrate what is considered one of the most joyful of the holidays in the TANAKH (Old Testament),
let’s remember the seriousness of this time in history. Had the Jewish people been wiped out, the Messiah would not have come as prophesied.
It’s a pretty simple equation. The enemy of humanity’s souls has spent thousands of years trying to make ADONAI [the LORD] look like a liar. If GOD is a liar, then no one would follow Him.
That’s not going to happen. And sometimes GOD uses those in high office or lowly gate keepers to ensure that the enemy’s plans do not ultimately succeed.
Our Takeaway
There may be a “Haman” in our neighborhood or city or business. What has GOD called you for such a time as this?
* Here’s a recipe for Hamantaschen from one of my favorite restaurants in, Zahav, Philadelphia. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/hamantaschen-9591910
