Purim
The memorial of Purim is recorded in the book of Esther in the Bible. It is celebrated on the 14th and 15th day of the twelfth biblical month called Adar. This time would coincide with late February or early March. The name Purim comes from the act of casting "pur" (casting a lot) to determine the day of extermination against the Israelites which were held in bondage in Persia under King Ahausuerus (Xerxes I).
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Purim commemorates the Israelites deliverance from the evil Haman, an Amalekite from the bloodline of Edom (so-called whote man), who plotted a devilish plan to destroy all of the Jews that were in the Persian provinces. Through great courage and at the risk of her life, Esther was instrumental in the Israelite's deliverance from utter destruction. Esther sought help and guidance form the Most High. She fasted for three days before inviting the Persian King to a banquet that she would host where she would reveal Haman's plan to destroy her Israelite people (Esther 4:6 & 5:8). Her petition was favorably heard by the King and, since the original decree could not be changed on account of the unchangeable law of the Medes and Persians, (Daniel 6:8), another decree was issued. This document granted the Jews the right to defend themselves and enabled them to prepare for battle. The decree was written by Mordecai and translated into many languages and sent to all the districts where the Jews dwelt within the Persian Empire. On the 13th day of the month Adar, the Israelites fought and prevailed aganst their ememies. This fighting and defeating of the Jew's enemies continued until the 15th day of Adar (Esther 8:3 & 9:19).
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To commemorate this deliverance, Mordecai by the power of the Most High, decreed that all of then Israelites are to observe the 14th and 15th days of the month Adar each year with banqueting and rejoicing and sending portions to one another and gifts to the poor (Esther 9:20-22).
Later, another letter was written with the confirmation of Esther the queen commanding this festival. It was to be held in each generation, family, district and city at the appointed time each year. (Esther 9:28-31).
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The day of Purim is yet another memorial and celebration to acknowledge the Most High's power and mercy to the Nations of Israel and how he gave the Israelite forefathers the power to fight and subdue their enemies. This historical event also acknowledges those like Esther and Mordacai that held strong inthe spirit and did not succomb to the ways of their enemies to turn away from following the Most High.
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Esther 9:22
"As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor."
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Romans 8:31
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
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