Overview
The Feast of Purim originates from the events recorded in the book of Esther, when Haman plotted to annihilate all Jews in the Persian empire. After God's intervention through Esther's courage and Mordecai's faithfulness, the Jewish people were saved and the feast was instituted to commemorate this deliverance for future generations.
Key Scriptures
"Therefore the Jews of the villages, who dwell in the unwalled towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and as a day on which they send gifts of food to one another" (Esther 9:19, ESV).
"Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year" (Esther 9:29-30, ESV).
Application
Reflect on God's hidden but certain providence in your circumstances, trusting that He works to preserve and protect His people even when His hand is not immediately visible.