“In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar” (Esther 3:7 ESV).
The book of Esther explains the origin of the Jewish holiday called “Purim.” The name is taken from the Persian word “Pur,” which meant “lot.” After Haman was promoted by King Ahasuerus (“Xerxes”), he was enraged by Mordecai the Jew’s failure to bow down at his passing. He determined to go before the king with a scheme to murder not only Mordecai, but the entire Jewish population within Persia. The casting of lots (“Pur”) was called for by Haman in order to determine the most fortuitous date for carrying out his scheme. The lot fell on the month of “Adar” on the Jewish calendar, which aligns with February/March in today’s calendar.
Yet, even though the name of God is not named even once in the book of Esther, His hand is clearly seen in the result of the lot falling twelve months later and the favor that the king ultimately showed his newly appointed queen. For this gave both Mordecai and his adopted daughter, Esther, time to mediate for the Jewish people and ultimately save them from Haman’s plot.
As the proverb is written, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). Even when the Lord is apparently absent, He is still working behind the scenes His purposes to unfold.
PRAYER: Dear Father, even though we live in a world where You sometimes seem absent, we know You are here. We know You are present and sovereign over all things even when life doesn’t make sense to us. Therefore we call on You and trust Your will for us. Fill us afresh by Your Spirit and give us peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.