On March 7, 473 B.C., the two decrees that King Xerxes approved took effect. The first decree was Haman's plot to destroy all the Jews in the Medo-Persian empire, and the second decree was the Jews had the right to defend and destroy those who would attack them. On March 7, 473 B.C., many of the enemies of the Jews attacked the Jews all over the provinces, but the Jews overpowered their enemies. The Jews also killed Haman's ten sons. On that day, the Jews killed 500 people in Susa, the capital city. And on March 8, 473 B.C., the Jews killed another 800 people who hated them in the capital city. Overall, in these two days, the Jews killed 75,000 people who tried to destroy them in the entire provinces of the Medo-Persian empire. Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews throughout the Medo-Persian provinces, calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. This annual festival was called the Purim Festival (Esther 9:1-32).
Purim came from the word "Pur, " meaning lots or casting lots (dice). When Haman tried to decide when to destroy the Jews, he used dice rolling to determine when to destroy the Jews. Instead of destroying the Jews, he and his people were destroyed. The festival happened in the month of Adar in the Jewish calendar, equivalent to February-March in our modern-day calendar. Purim Festival is the only festival that is not according to the religious festival of the Jews. The Jews still celebrate the Purim Festival every year to this day. Psalm 34:17 says, "The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles."
Esther and the Jewish people cried out to God for deliverance, and God granted their request. The Jews survived Haman's evil plot against the Jews because God intervened in their situation. God is faithful to those who believe in our Lord Jesus. Let us be encouraged today that God hears our prayers and answers them according to His perfect and good plan in our lives.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) What should I do when I face a difficult situation? Why is it important to cry out to God in difficult situations? What is the promise of God when I cry out to Him?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that you are my help in times of my need. I praise you for always being there for me. I lift up all my concerns today, and please help me trust you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.