Esther 9:27
The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Purim became one of the most beloved Jewish festivals, celebrated continuously from the Persian period through the present day—over 2,500 years. Unlike biblically mandated festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles), Purim originated from historical deliverance rather than Mosaic law, yet achieved equal or greater popular devotion. The Mishnah (Megillah tractate) and Talmud extensively discuss Purim observance, demonstrating its centrality in Second Temple and rabbinic Judaism.
The reference to proselytes ("all such as joined themselves") reflects significant Gentile conversion following Jewish deliverance. Fear of the Jews (8:17) led many to identify with them, and these converts assumed full covenant obligations including festival observance. This pattern appears throughout Scripture: divine deliverance attracts Gentiles to Israel's God (see Rahab, Ruth, Naaman). Purim thus became a witness to God's faithfulness, drawing outsiders to covenant relationship.
The survival of Purim observance despite millennia of diaspora, persecution, and attempted genocide testifies to the vow's effectiveness. Even secular Jews who abandon other practices often maintain Purim celebration, demonstrating the festival's profound role in Jewish identity. The Nazi regime specifically targeted Purim celebrations, recognizing that the festival commemorating Jewish survival from attempted extermination directly challenged their genocidal ideology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the binding of future generations to remember God's deliverance speak to the importance of transmitting faith to children?
- In what ways do Christian remembrance practices (baptism, communion) parallel the perpetual covenant obligation of Purim?
- How should the church respond to God's faithfulness to Jewish people and the ongoing significance of their covenant identity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year. This verse establishes Purim as perpetual covenant obligation for Jewish people and proselytes. The verb "ordained" (qiymu, קִיְמוּ) means to establish, confirm, or make binding—this is formal covenant language. "Took upon them" (viqibelu, וְקִבְּלוּ) means to receive or accept willingly, indicating voluntary commitment rather than imposed duty.
The scope extends across three groups: the present generation ("them"), future descendants ("their seed," zaram, זַרְעָם), and Gentile converts ("all such as joined themselves unto them," kol-hanilvim aleihem, כָּל־הַנִּלְוִים עֲלֵיהֶם). This inclusive formulation parallels covenant language elsewhere in Scripture, particularly the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants that bound not only the original recipients but their descendants. The mention of proselytes reflects both historical reality—Gentiles converting to Judaism (8:17)—and theological principle that covenant blessings and responsibilities extend to all who join God's people.
"So as it should not fail" (velo yaavor, וְלֹא יַעֲבוֹר) literally means "and it shall not pass away"—emphatic language ensuring perpetuity. The specificity regarding "these two days" (14th and 15th of Adar), "according to their writing" (Esther and Mordecai's letters), and "according to their appointed time every year" establishes precise parameters preventing the commemoration from becoming vague or neglected. This detailed prescription demonstrates wisdom: without specific requirements, commemorations fade into forgetfulness.