Purim: A Story of Redemption and the Hidden Hand of Deliverance
Purim is a festival of joy, a time of feasting and celebration, and a powerful reminder of divine deliverance. It commemorates the events recorded in the Book of Esther, where the Jewish people were rescued from a decree of destruction. But beyond the historical account, Purim holds deeper themes—ones that point to the nature of redemption, the role of an intercessor, and the unseen hand of salvation at work.
Esther’s Willing Sacrifice: A Reflection of a Greater Intercessor
The story of Purim is centered around Esther, a woman placed in a position of influence “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Though she was initially hesitant, she chose to risk her life for the sake of her people. When she declared, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), she embodied the heart of true intercession—standing in the gap on behalf of those who could not save themselves.
This pattern of a righteous one willing to lay down their life for the salvation of others is echoed throughout history. Yeshua also stepped into the role of intercessor, standing before the King on behalf of His people. Like Esther, He faced death willingly, offering Himself so that many could be spared. Both Esther and Yeshua teach us that true deliverance comes through self-sacrificial love.
The Hidden Hand of God
One of the most intriguing aspects of Purim is that the name of God is never mentioned in the Book of Esther. Yet, His presence is undeniable. The reversal of events—the king’s sleepless night, the sudden honor given to Mordecai, Haman’s downfall—reveals divine intervention working behind the scenes.
In the same way, Yeshua’s work is often hidden in plain sight. Many did not recognize Him for who He was, and yet He fulfilled the promises of redemption foretold long before. Just as Esther’s story reminds us that God is present even when unseen, Yeshua’s life reveals that salvation is often unfolding even when people fail to perceive it.
Reversing the Decree of Death
Purim is a holiday of reversal—venahafoch hu—where sorrow turns into joy, and a decree of death is overturned. Haman sought to destroy the Jewish people, but in the end, his own evil plan became his downfall.
This theme of reversal is central to the greater narrative of redemption. Yeshua took upon Himself the sentence of death so that others might live. What seemed like defeat—the crucifixion—became the greatest victory through His resurrection. Just as Purim celebrates the transformation from mourning to gladness, Yeshua’s victory offers the ultimate reversal: from death to life.
Joy in Salvation
Purim is not just about remembering a past deliverance—it is about recognizing an ongoing pattern of salvation. The joyful feasts, the reading of the Megillah, and the giving of gifts all reflect the natural response to being rescued.
Similarly, Yeshua’s life brings a joy that overflows. When we understand the depth of what has been done for us, celebration becomes the only appropriate response. Purim teaches us to rejoice in salvation, to trust in the unseen hand that is always at work, and to recognize the One who intercedes on our behalf.
