to establish among themThis phrase indicates the formalization of a practice or tradition. In the context of the Book of Esther, it refers to the institution of the Feast of Purim. The establishment of such a celebration underscores the importance of remembering God's deliverance and the preservation of the Jewish people. This act of establishing a tradition is consistent with other biblical mandates to remember significant acts of God, such as the Passover (
Exodus 12:14).
an annual celebration
The concept of an annual celebration highlights the importance of regular remembrance and thanksgiving. In Jewish culture, annual feasts and festivals serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and covenant with His people. This particular celebration, Purim, is a time of joy and festivity, commemorating the Jews' deliverance from Haman's plot. It parallels other annual observances like the Feast of Tabernacles and the Day of Atonement, which are also times of reflection and celebration.
on the fourteenth and fifteenth days
The specific mention of the fourteenth and fifteenth days indicates the precise timing of the celebration, which aligns with the Jewish lunar calendar. These days were chosen because they mark the time when the Jews rested from their enemies and celebrated their victory. The two-day celebration allows for the inclusion of Jews from both walled and unwalled cities, as the events unfolded differently in these locations (Esther 9:17-19).
of the month of Adar
Adar is the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, typically falling in February or March. It is a month associated with joy and deliverance, as Purim is celebrated during this time. The timing of Purim in Adar is significant because it precedes Passover, another festival of deliverance. The month of Adar is also a time when Jews prepare for the spiritual renewal of Passover, making the themes of redemption and divine intervention particularly poignant.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MordecaiA Jewish leader and cousin of Esther who played a crucial role in the events leading to the Jews' deliverance from Haman's plot. He is instrumental in establishing the celebration of Purim.
2.
EstherThe Jewish queen of Persia who bravely intervened to save her people from destruction. Her actions are central to the events commemorated by Purim.
3.
HamanThe antagonist who plotted to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire. His downfall is a key event leading to the celebration of Purim.
4.
PurimThe Jewish festival established to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot. It is celebrated annually on the 14th and 15th of Adar.
5.
AdarThe twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, during which the events of Purim took place.
Teaching Points
The Importance of RemembranceJust as the Jews were instructed to remember their deliverance through Purim, Christians are called to remember God's faithfulness and deliverance in their own lives.
God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceThe account of Esther highlights God's providential care and sovereignty, reminding believers that God is in control even when His presence is not overtly visible.
Community and CelebrationThe establishment of Purim emphasizes the importance of community and shared celebration in remembering God's acts of salvation.
Courage and FaithfulnessEsther's courage and Mordecai's faithfulness serve as examples for believers to stand firm in their faith and act courageously in the face of adversity.
Transformation of Sorrow to JoyThe transformation from a decree of destruction to a celebration of deliverance encourages believers to trust in God's ability to turn situations around for His glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Esther 9:21?
2.How does Esther 9:21 encourage annual remembrance of God's deliverance and faithfulness?
3.What significance do the "fourteenth and fifteenth days" hold in Esther 9:21?
4.How can we apply the principles of Esther 9:21 in our celebrations today?
5.What connections exist between Esther 9:21 and other biblical feasts or commemorations?
6.How does observing God's deliverance in Esther 9:21 strengthen our faith in trials?
7.What is the significance of Purim as established in Esther 9:21?
8.How does Esther 9:21 reflect God's providence in Jewish history?
9.Why is the celebration of Purim important for understanding Jewish identity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 9?
11.What is the Feast of Purim?
12.How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?
13.Esther 9:28: How do we reconcile the institution of Purim with the absence of divine mention or direct intervention throughout the entire story of Esther?
14.Esther 5 - Why does this chapter, like the rest of the book, omit any direct mention of God, leaving room for skepticism about its religious significance?What Does Esther 9:21 Mean
To Establish Among Them“to establish among them…” (Esther 9:21)
• Mordecai’s letter is not a casual suggestion; it is an authoritative directive rooted in the providential events recorded inEsther 9:20.
• The verb “establish” signals permanence—much like God’s commands for Passover (Exodus 12:14) or the Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:41).
• By putting the celebration in writing (Esther 9:29–32), the leaders ensure that every Jewish community, “both near and far” (Esther 9:20), will unify around God’s deliverance.
• The same principle of setting memorials appears inJoshua 4:7, where stones remind Israel of the Jordan crossing; here the feast will remind future generations of God’s reversal of Haman’s plot.
An Annual Celebration“…an annual celebration…” (Esther 9:21)
• The feast is yearly, echoing the rhythm of God-ordained festivals that keep His acts of salvation fresh in the national memory (Psalm 145:4).
• Regular repetition guards against forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 4:9) and provides an opportunity for testimony, much like the Lord’s Supper “in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19;1 Corinthians 11:25).
• The text later calls the feast “Purim” (Esther 9:26–28), tying the name to the lots (“pur”) Haman cast, showcasing how God overrules human schemes (Proverbs 19:21).
• Celebration is not mere festivity; it bears witness to the covenant-keeping God who “gives His people rest from their enemies” (Esther 9:22).
On the Fourteenth Day“…on the fourteenth…” (Esther 9:21)
• The fourteenth of Adar marks the day when Jews in the provinces “gathered… and gained relief” (Esther 9:17).
• Choosing the exact calendar day highlights history’s precision: real dates, real deliverance (cf.Exodus 12:6—Passover’s 14th).
• Rural Jews rested and rejoiced on this date, so the feast preserves that original timing (Esther 9:17, 19).
• It affirms God’s faithfulness “to the very day” (Exodus 12:41), encouraging believers to recognize divine appointments in their own lives.
And the Fifteenth Day“…and fifteenth days…” (Esther 9:21)
• The capital city of Susa fought an extra day (Esther 9:18), so its celebration began on the fifteenth.
• Including both days prevents division between city and countryside; all Israel rejoices together (Psalm 133:1).
• Many biblical festivals run two or more days (Leviticus 23:6–8,Numbers 29:12–38), reflecting the fullness of joy in God’s salvation.
• The doubled date underscores total victory—no pocket of resistance remained (Esther 9:16).
Of the Month of Adar“…of the month of Adar.” (Esther 9:21)
• Adar is the twelfth month (Esther 3:7), the very month Haman selected for Israel’s destruction; God turns the enemy’s timetable into a testimony (Esther 9:1).
• The setting near the close of the civil year makes the feast a climactic reminder that “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
• The placement also anticipates the coming Passover (Nisan), linking two distinct yet complementary pictures of redemption (Esther 3:7;Exodus 12:2).
• By rooting Purim in Adar, Scripture shows that God’s providence permeates every season (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
summaryEsther 9:21 records Mordecai’s inspired directive to institute Purim: a perpetual, two-day feast on Adar 14-15. Each phrase underscores God’s sovereign reversal—He secures a unified, annual remembrance so future generations will celebrate His deliverance with gladness, generosity, and shared faith.
(21)
And the fifteenth day of the same.--The Jews in the provinces had already made the fourteenth day a day of gladness and feasting. Mordecai now bids that the fifteenth also be so kept.
Verse 21. -
To stablish.
i.e. "with a view to establishing" - not actually doing so.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
to establishלְקַיֵּם֮(lə·qay·yêm)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standamong themעֲלֵיהֶם֒(‘ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstan annualבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everycelebrationעֹשִׂ֗ים(‘ō·śîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makeon the fourteenthאַרְבָּעָ֤ה(’ar·bā·‘āh)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 702:Fourand fifteenthחֲמִשָּׁ֥ה(ḥă·miš·šāh)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568:Fivedaysי֣וֹם(yō·wm)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof the monthלְחֹ֣דֶשׁ(lə·ḥō·ḏeš)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2320:The new moon, a monthof Adarאֲדָ֔ר(’ă·ḏār)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 143:The twelfth month in the Jewish calendar
Links
Esther 9:21 NIVEsther 9:21 NLTEsther 9:21 ESVEsther 9:21 NASBEsther 9:21 KJV
Esther 9:21 BibleApps.comEsther 9:21 Biblia ParalelaEsther 9:21 Chinese BibleEsther 9:21 French BibleEsther 9:21 Catholic Bible
OT History: Esther 9:21 To enjoin them that they should keep (Est Esth. Es)