Topics

Pur

The Pur was a lot cast by Haman to determine the date for the destruction of the Jewish people in Persia, but God sovereignly overturned this evil plan. This historical account demonstrates God's providential protection of His covenant people.

Overview

In the book of Esther, Haman cast the Pur (a lot) to determine which month and day would be best for executing his genocidal plot against the Jews throughout the Persian empire. The casting of lots was a common ancient practice meant to discern divine will, yet in this case it only revealed human wickedness. God's invisible hand guided events to preserve His people despite Haman's evil scheme.

Key Scriptures

"In the first month, that is, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month, until the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar." (Esther 3:7, NASB)

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." (Proverbs 16:33, ESV)

Application

Trust that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes, and His sovereignty extends even over seemingly random events in our lives.

Scripture References 1
Full Topical Reference List 1 total — Nave's Topical Bible

The lot