Esther 9:23, "The Jews accepted the custom that they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them," is referring to the institution of the festival of Purim. Let's break it down:
"The Jews accepted the custom...": This means that the Jewish people, as a whole, formally agreed to observe a new practice.
"...that they had begun...": This indicates that the observance of Purim had already started, at least in a rudimentary or localized way. The Jews had likely celebrated their miraculous deliverance from Haman's plot the year before. This verse shows they are solidifying this into a formal tradition.
"...as Mordecai had written to them...": Mordecai, a prominent Jewish leader and Esther's cousin, played a crucial role in saving the Jews. He formalized the celebration, writing instructions about how it should be observed, including the giving of gifts to the poor and sending portions of food to one another. He was essentially the "author" of the Purim festival.
In summary: This verse confirms that the Jewish people officially adopted the annual observance of Purim, following the guidelines and instructions that Mordecai had outlined in his written communication. It signifies the formal establishment of Purim as a recognized and celebrated holiday within Jewish tradition, ensuring its remembrance and continuation throughout generations.
Esther 9:23, "The Jews accepted the custom that they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them," is referring to the institution of the festival of Purim. Let's break it down:
"The Jews accepted the custom...": This means that the Jewish people, as a whole, formally agreed to observe a new practice.
"...that they had begun...": This indicates that the observance of Purim had already started, at least in a rudimentary or localized way. The Jews had likely celebrated their miraculous deliverance from Haman's plot the year before. This verse shows they are solidifying this into a formal tradition.
"...as Mordecai had written to them...": Mordecai, a prominent Jewish leader and Esther's cousin, played a crucial role in saving the Jews. He formalized the celebration, writing instructions about how it should be observed, including the giving of gifts to the poor and sending portions of food to one another. He was essentially the "author" of the Purim festival.
In summary: This verse confirms that the Jewish people officially adopted the annual observance of Purim, following the guidelines and instructions that Mordecai had outlined in his written communication. It signifies the formal establishment of Purim as a recognized and celebrated holiday within Jewish tradition, ensuring its remembrance and continuation throughout generations.
