This verse from Esther 9:27 is a crucial statement about the establishment and perpetuation of the festival of Purim. Let's break it down:
"The Jews established...": The Jews, specifically those involved in the events described in the Book of Esther, are the ones who created this new custom.
"...and imposed on themselves...": They voluntarily took upon themselves the obligation to observe Purim. This wasn't something forced upon them by a foreign power, but a decision made by the community.
"...and on their descendants...": This is critical. The commitment to observe Purim was not just for the present generation, but for all future generations. It was meant to be a lasting tradition.
"...and on all those who joined themselves to them...": This suggests that non-Jews who wished to associate themselves with the Jewish community and their customs were also expected to observe Purim. It highlights the inclusive nature of Jewish practice at the time.
"...so that it should not fail...": The intention was to ensure the celebration of Purim would be continuous and never cease. This emphasizes the importance they placed on remembering and commemorating the events of Esther.
"...that they would keep these two days according to what was written...": "These two days" refer to the 14th and 15th of Adar, the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies in the story. "According to what was written" likely refers to the details and customs that were laid out in the Book of Esther itself (or a related tradition).
"...and according to its appointed time, every year;": This reinforces the idea of a fixed annual celebration. Purim was to be observed at the designated time (Adar) each year.
In summary, Esther 9:27 signifies the formal establishment of Purim as a permanent fixture in Jewish life. It underscores the commitment to remember and celebrate the deliverance from Haman's plot, not just in the present, but for all future generations and those who identify with the Jewish community. It establishes the observance of Purim as a religious and communal obligation.
This verse from Esther 9:27 is a crucial statement about the establishment and perpetuation of the festival of Purim. Let's break it down:
"The Jews established...": The Jews, specifically those involved in the events described in the Book of Esther, are the ones who created this new custom.
"...and imposed on themselves...": They voluntarily took upon themselves the obligation to observe Purim. This wasn't something forced upon them by a foreign power, but a decision made by the community.
"...and on their descendants...": This is critical. The commitment to observe Purim was not just for the present generation, but for all future generations. It was meant to be a lasting tradition.
"...and on all those who joined themselves to them...": This suggests that non-Jews who wished to associate themselves with the Jewish community and their customs were also expected to observe Purim. It highlights the inclusive nature of Jewish practice at the time.
"...so that it should not fail...": The intention was to ensure the celebration of Purim would be continuous and never cease. This emphasizes the importance they placed on remembering and commemorating the events of Esther.
"...that they would keep these two days according to what was written...": "These two days" refer to the 14th and 15th of Adar, the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies in the story. "According to what was written" likely refers to the details and customs that were laid out in the Book of Esther itself (or a related tradition).
"...and according to its appointed time, every year;": This reinforces the idea of a fixed annual celebration. Purim was to be observed at the designated time (Adar) each year.
In summary, Esther 9:27 signifies the formal establishment of Purim as a permanent fixture in Jewish life. It underscores the commitment to remember and celebrate the deliverance from Haman's plot, not just in the present, but for all future generations and those who identify with the Jewish community. It establishes the observance of Purim as a religious and communal obligation.
