The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

Feast of Lots

Purim (Heb. purim, "lots," <Esther 9:26,31>).

This feast was instituted by Mordecai, at the suggestion of Esther, in memory of the extraordinary deliverance of the Jews of Persia from the murderous plot of Haman. It was generally adopted, though not at first without opposition.

The name Purim, "lots," was given to this festival because of the casting of lots by Haman to decide when he should carry into effect the decree issued by the king for the extermination of the Jews <Esth 9:24>. The name was probably given to the festival in irony.

The only directions given respecting the observance of the festival is that Mordecai ordered the 14th and 15th of Adar to be kept annually by the Jews; that these two days should be days of feasting and joy, of the interchange of presents, and of sending gifts to the poor; and that the Jews agreed to continue the observance of the festival as it was begun (Esth 9:17-24). No mention is made of any special sacrifice.

At the present day the festival is kept as follows:

the day preceding (13th Adar) is kept as a fast day (called "the Fast of Esther"), in accordance with the command of the queen (4:15-16). Sundry prayers, expressive of repentance, etc., are introduced into the ritual for the day. As on all fast days, <Ex 32:11-14> and (34:1-11) are read as the lesson from the law, and (Is 55:6-56:8) as the Haphtarah.

If 13th Adar falls on a Sabbath, the fast is kept on the previous Thursday. As soon as the stars appear the festival commences, candles are lighted, and all the Jews go to the synagogue, where, after the evening service, the benediction is pronounced, and the book of Esther is read by the prelector. As often as the name of Haman is mentioned in the reading, the congregation stamps on the floor, saying, "Let his name be blotted out. The name of the wicked shall rot!" While the children shake rattles. After the reading the congregation exclaims, "Cursed be Haman; blessed be Mordecai!" etc.; the benediction is said, and all go home and partake of milk and eggs.

On the 14th, in the morning, the people go to the synagogue; several prayers are inserted into the regular ritual; (Ex 17:8-16) is read as the lesson from the law, and Esther, as on the previous evening. The rest of the festival is given up to rejoicing, exchanging of presents, games, etc. Rejoicing continues on the 15th, and the festival terminates on the evening of this day.