The Joy of Purim and the Book of Esther: A Bridge Between Judaism and Christianity
Growing up in a Jewish household, Purim was my absolute favorite holiday. Unlike the solemnity of Yom Kippur or the structured observances of Passover, Purim was a time of laughter, celebration, and, most importantly, noise. It was the one time in temple where we, the children, were not only allowed but encouraged to make a ruckus! Armed with our noisemakers—graggers—we eagerly awaited the moment when the name of Haman, the villain of the Purim story, was read aloud. The entire room would erupt in a chorus of boos and the whirring of noisemakers, drowning out his name as if to erase his existence from history.
But Purim wasn’t just about fun; it was about survival, faith, and divine intervention. At the heart of it was Queen Esther, the courageous Jewish woman who risked her life to save her people from destruction. And for me, the story carried an extra layer of significance—my Hebrew name is Mordechai, the name of Esther’s cousin and advisor, who played a pivotal role in the events that led to the Jewish people’s salvation.
The Story of Purim: A Quick Recap
The Book of Esther recounts the events of Purim. Esther, a Jewish girl, is chosen to be the new queen of Persia, unknowingly placed in a position of influence by divine design. When the wicked Haman, an official in King Ahasuerus’ (Xerxes I) court, hatches a plot to annihilate the Jewish people, Esther and Mordechai spring into action. Mordechai urges Esther to speak to the king on behalf of her people, famously telling her:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, NIV)
Esther bravely approaches the king, risking her life to expose Haman’s wicked plan. The king ultimately sides with Esther and Mordechai, leading to Haman’s downfall and the salvation of the Jewish people. The joyous festival of Purim was established to commemorate this deliverance, celebrated with feasting, gift-giving, and, of course, the delicious three-cornered pastries known as Hamantaschen. As a kid, I devoured the apricot ones, steering clear of the prune-filled ones with the same urgency as the people of Persia avoided Haman’s decrees!
Why Christians Revere the Story of Esther
When I later came to accept Jesus as my Savior, I was amazed at how deeply Christians respect the Book of Esther. At first, it was surprising—why would a book that never explicitly mentions God be so meaningful to followers of Christ? But as I studied the connections, it all made sense.
- Divine Providence and God’s Sovereign Plan
Even though God’s name is never written in the Book of Esther, His hand is seen in every detail. Esther’s placement as queen, Mordechai’s uncovering of an assassination plot, and Haman’s downfall all point to divine orchestration. This mirrors the Christian understanding that God is always at work, even when we don’t see Him.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
Just as Esther and Mordechai trusted in God’s unseen guidance, Christians are called to trust that God’s plans are unfolding, even in difficult times.
- Jesus as Our Ultimate Advocate
Esther stood in the gap for her people, willing to put her life on the line for their salvation. This foreshadows what Jesus would do for all humanity. Like Esther, Jesus risked everything, but instead of merely risking death, He embraced it, becoming the ultimate intercessor between God and mankind.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5, NIV)
Esther’s willingness to approach the king, despite the potential consequences, reflects the way Jesus boldly approached the cross, knowing He was acting on behalf of others.
- Spiritual Warfare and Victory Over the Enemy
The story of Purim is a tale of good overcoming evil. Haman, the enemy of the Jewish people, is ultimately defeated, just as sin and death are defeated through Jesus’ victory on the cross.
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8, NIV)
The victory celebrated in Esther’s time is a foreshadowing of the eternal victory Christ secured for all who believe in Him.
Purim Through the Eyes of a Completed Jew
Now, as a Completed Jew—someone who embraces both my Jewish heritage and my faith in Jesus—I see Purim not just as a celebration of physical deliverance but also as a reminder of God’s spiritual deliverance. Just as Esther and Mordechai played a role in preserving God’s chosen people, Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise of salvation to all.
And still, when Purim comes around, I think back to my childhood—sitting in temple, my little gragger clutched tightly in my hands, waiting for the moment to drown out Haman’s name with pure, joyful defiance. I remember the sweet taste of apricot Hamantaschen, the warmth of family, and the reminder that even when things seem dire, God’s hand is always at work.
So, for my fellow Christians who might be unfamiliar with Purim, I encourage you to read the Book of Esther. Celebrate the faith, bravery, and divine intervention that echoes throughout its pages. Because, just like Esther, you, too, were created for such a time as this.
