The Month of Adar

The month of Adar is the 12th month on the Biblical calendar and usually coincides with February- March on the Gregorian calendar. The name “Adar” was adopted during Israel’s Babylonian captivity.

Adar is the most joyous month of the year, in the Jewish community. In fact, its motto is, “When Adar comes, joy is increased.” This is because of the annual celebration of Purim.

The Feast of Purim

The Jewish population celebrates Purim on the 14^th of Adar. This holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jews from total annihilation by Persian rulers. The book of Esther tells the story of Purim, and it is one of the most beloved in the Jewish community.

Haman’s hatred of the Jews

Mordechai, Queen Esther’s cousin and guardian, refused to bow in obeisance to Haman, an evil Prime Minister of Persia. As a result, Haman became offended and decided to punish, not only Mordechai, but the entire Jewish population (Esther 3:5).

Haman cunningly convinced king Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes) that the Jews living under Persian rule were rebellious and should be exterminated. With the king’s consent, Haman and his astrologers cast lots (“purim” in Hebrew) to set a date for the massacre. The lot fell on the month of Adar. Haman believed that this was a favorable omen because it was the same month Moses died. So, Haman sent couriers to all the king’s provinces with his royal decree, sealed with the king’s ring. Every Jew was to be destroyed, on the 13^th of Adar, and their property given to those who killed them. (vv. 12-13).

As in the story of Esther, Satan makes evil decrees against God’s people to kill, steal and destroy. However, we have an effective weapon to use against Satan’s attacks. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:17, to take the “sword of the Spirit,” which is the Word of God. The sword of the Spirit is part of the “whole armor of God” that will enable us to stand our ground against the enemy (Ephesians 6:13). The Bible also says, when we decree a thing, it will be established for us (Job22:28). So, when we speak in alignment with God’s Word, we render Satan’s decrees against us null and void.

Queen Esther saves her people

Mordecai challenged Esther to make an appeal before the king, after hearing this. Esther knew that she could be put to death for going before the king without being summoned (Chapter 4:1-17). So, Esther called for a three day fast among the Jews. After the fast, she took courage and moved as planned.

Haman’s evil plan was revealed, and he was executed. Then, the king gave the Jews permission to defend themselves from their enemies. As a result, they killed thousands of their enemies on the 13th of Adar.

Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces, following this victorious event. He encouraged them to annually celebrate the 14^th and 15th day of Adar (Chapter 9:20).

The Providence of God

The book of Esther never mentioned the name of God. However, it is obvious that He was working behind the scenes as the Protector of Israel. Just as God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to bring Israel out of Egypt, He softened King Ahasuerus’ heart towards Esther. Esther revealed Haman’s wicked plot. Haman died on the same gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

God sometimes seems silent when we pray to Him for help, like the days of Esther and Mordecai. He may even appear to be absent or distant when we are going through difficult circumstances. However, we are reminded from Esther’s life that God is still in control. What is more, He is working out His purposes, even if often behind the scenes. So, if we continue to pray and stand on God’s promises, we will not only experience God’s joy and peace, but His deliverance and freedom from whatever is holding us captive.

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