Esther 9:31 is a key verse in solidifying the celebration of Purim. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times": This part establishes the purpose of the decree. Mordecai and Esther are formalizing the observance of Purim as an annual event, to be celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar each year. The phrase "appointed times" underscores the fixed and regular nature of the festival.
"as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had decreed": This highlights the authority behind the establishment of Purim. Mordecai, a respected leader, and Esther, the queen with influence over the king, jointly issued the decree, giving it legal and social weight.
"and as they had imposed upon themselves and their descendants": This indicates that the obligation to observe Purim was not just a suggestion, but a binding commitment. Mordecai and Esther were not only establishing it for their generation, but also for all future generations of Jews. They are binding it as a religious observance.
"in the matter of the fastings and their cry": This is a specific reference to the practice of fasting and prayer associated with the events leading up to Purim. It may refer to the fast observed by Esther and the Jews before she approached the king (Esther 4:16), as well as other acts of mourning and supplication during that time. The phrase "their cry" implies fervent prayer and repentance. This verse mandates not only celebration but also remembrance of the difficulty and suffering from which they were delivered.
In essence, this verse explains that Mordecai and Esther, with their combined authority, established Purim as a mandatory annual festival for all future generations of Jews. This obligation includes both the joyous celebration of the holiday and the remembrance of the events that led to it, particularly through fasting and prayer.
The verse emphasizes the dual nature of Purim: a time of rejoicing and feasting, but also a time to remember the suffering and deliverance of the Jewish people. It solidifies Purim as a significant and enduring part of Jewish tradition, linking the past, present, and future.
Esther 9:31 is a key verse in solidifying the celebration of Purim. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times": This part establishes the purpose of the decree. Mordecai and Esther are formalizing the observance of Purim as an annual event, to be celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar each year. The phrase "appointed times" underscores the fixed and regular nature of the festival.
"as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had decreed": This highlights the authority behind the establishment of Purim. Mordecai, a respected leader, and Esther, the queen with influence over the king, jointly issued the decree, giving it legal and social weight.
"and as they had imposed upon themselves and their descendants": This indicates that the obligation to observe Purim was not just a suggestion, but a binding commitment. Mordecai and Esther were not only establishing it for their generation, but also for all future generations of Jews. They are binding it as a religious observance.
"in the matter of the fastings and their cry": This is a specific reference to the practice of fasting and prayer associated with the events leading up to Purim. It may refer to the fast observed by Esther and the Jews before she approached the king (Esther 4:16), as well as other acts of mourning and supplication during that time. The phrase "their cry" implies fervent prayer and repentance. This verse mandates not only celebration but also remembrance of the difficulty and suffering from which they were delivered.
In essence, this verse explains that Mordecai and Esther, with their combined authority, established Purim as a mandatory annual festival for all future generations of Jews. This obligation includes both the joyous celebration of the holiday and the remembrance of the events that led to it, particularly through fasting and prayer.
The verse emphasizes the dual nature of Purim: a time of rejoicing and feasting, but also a time to remember the suffering and deliverance of the Jewish people. It solidifies Purim as a significant and enduring part of Jewish tradition, linking the past, present, and future.