Esther 9:20 describes Mordecai taking action to commemorate and solidify the celebration of Purim. Let's break it down:
"And Mordecai wrote these things in a book..." This refers to the events surrounding Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, Esther's bravery in intervening, and the subsequent defeat of their enemies. Mordecai is creating a written record of these events. This is the beginning of the official history of Purim.
"...and sent them to the Jews..." Mordecai is sending copies of this written account. The purpose is to inform the Jewish people about what happened and to establish the basis for a new tradition.
"...as many as were in the kingdom of Ahasuerus..." This emphasizes the widespread scope of Mordecai's action. The kingdom of Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I of Persia) was vast.
"...both them that were near and them that were afar off..." This further clarifies that Mordecai intends to reach all the Jewish people within the kingdom, regardless of their geographical distance from the capital. The implication is that this celebration should be observed by everyone.
In essence, this verse signifies:
Official Commemoration: Mordecai is formalizing the events into a written record.
Dissemination of Information: He is making sure everyone knows the story of their deliverance.
Universal Observance: He is promoting the celebration of Purim throughout the entire Jewish diaspora within the Persian Empire.
Foundation of Tradition: He is laying the groundwork for Purim to become an established Jewish festival.
The verse is crucial because it highlights Mordecai's leadership in establishing Purim as a lasting celebration of Jewish survival and resilience.
Esther 9:20 describes Mordecai taking action to commemorate and solidify the celebration of Purim. Let's break it down:
"And Mordecai wrote these things in a book..." This refers to the events surrounding Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, Esther's bravery in intervening, and the subsequent defeat of their enemies. Mordecai is creating a written record of these events. This is the beginning of the official history of Purim.
"...and sent them to the Jews..." Mordecai is sending copies of this written account. The purpose is to inform the Jewish people about what happened and to establish the basis for a new tradition.
"...as many as were in the kingdom of Ahasuerus..." This emphasizes the widespread scope of Mordecai's action. The kingdom of Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I of Persia) was vast.
"...both them that were near and them that were afar off..." This further clarifies that Mordecai intends to reach all the Jewish people within the kingdom, regardless of their geographical distance from the capital. The implication is that this celebration should be observed by everyone.
In essence, this verse signifies:
Official Commemoration: Mordecai is formalizing the events into a written record.
Dissemination of Information: He is making sure everyone knows the story of their deliverance.
Universal Observance: He is promoting the celebration of Purim throughout the entire Jewish diaspora within the Persian Empire.
Foundation of Tradition: He is laying the groundwork for Purim to become an established Jewish festival.
The verse is crucial because it highlights Mordecai's leadership in establishing Purim as a lasting celebration of Jewish survival and resilience.
