The Origin and Description of Purim
The celebration of Purim originated out of the decrees of Mordecai and Queen Esther (Esther 9:29-32). It was a time when intervention arose through desperate acts of prayer and fasting led by Queen Esther to overturn the decree for the annihilation of the Jewish people inspired by Haman. Haman’s evil plot was revealed, the tables were turned and he was hung on his own gallows. The events took place historically roughly between the years of 483 to 471 B.C.
According to the Jewish calendar, Purim is held in the month of Adar, which usually falls in February or March. Moses was born in Adar. It is also the month when the Jewish leader of the Maccabees defeated the Syrians and the month when the orders were given to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem preceding the reconstruction of the Temple and first return of the Jewish people to Israel. Redemptively, the period of time known as Adar has been a time when intervention comes out of crisis.
Although Purim was founded in biblical times, its observation is not commanded by God as are the holy convocations mentioned in Leviticus 23. But the Holy Spirit is prophetically calling believers today to participate in this special time of sacrifice in this generation.
Haman’s Lineage Exposed
King Ahasuerus unfortunately promoted a man who eventually became one of Israel’s all-time worst enemies. His name was Haman, and he is described as the “son of Hammedatha, the Agagite” (Est. 3:1).
Haman’s lineage is significant to the history of Purim. He was a descendant of Agag, who was a king of the Amalekites in the days of Saul and Samuel. Saul defeated Agag but disobeyed the Lord by allowing him to live. The prophet Samuel rebuked King Saul for his disobedience then “hewed Agag in pieces before the Lord” (1 Sam. 15:33).
Being an Amalekite, Agag was part of the group of people who were long-term enemies of Israel. Because of their treatment of the children of Israel in the days of Moses, God declared war on Amalek “from generation to generation” (Ex. 17:16). In Jewish teaching, Amalek is seen as the epitome of anti-Semitism.
Haman therefore had a heritage of enmity toward the Jewish people. As the book of Esther unfolds, we see how Haman was used to exhibit this generational hatred toward God’s chosen people.
The problem is that this ancient, malevolent spirit has plagued our planet throughout the generations. It has no regard for human reason, logic, good intentions or mere religious pursuits. This dark spirit of anti-Semitism – or what may be called “the spirit of Haman” – is on the loose once again.
The Mordecai Anointing – A Quote from The Coming Israel Awakening Book
The Holy Spirit wants to inject the burden of the Lord for purposes of God among the Jewish people into the global prayer movement, like a nurse with a fully loaded needle. We need a potent injection of God’s heart into our heart! That is why God wants to raise up a Mordecai anointing to prepare Esther for a time of intervention. We need to know what Esther accomplished, but what was Mordecai’s task? What was his divine assignment?
Mordecai’s job was to raise up and prepare Esther for her hour of influence before the king. Mordecai raised Esther as his own daughter. He did not bow down or pay homage to Haman, who sought the destruction of the Jews, but only worshipped the one true God. He intercepted Haman’s scheme of the enemy and revealed it with wisdom to those in authority. He walked in prophetic counsel and instilled courage into Esther.
Esther, properly tutored and mentored by the counsel of Mordecai, seized the moment through prayer and fasting. Esther was anointed to intervene and stand in the gap, yet she had to walk in cooperation with the preparation of Mordecai, the spiritual authority God had placed in her life.
God chose to work through Mordecai to alert Esther to her destiny and timing of her intercessory acts on behalf of the Jews. God is looking for modern day Mordecais to prepare His people for such a time as this!
The Cry Continues to Arise!
Join me and thousands of others as we seek the face of God once again as a bride prepared for her king. The days of the Purim Esther Mandate Fast – The Cry – February 22-24, 2013. Yes, dates may vary on these times depending on what time zone you are in but let’s go after the heart of the matter and intercede for Israel’s sake!
SOLEMN ASSEMBLY IN JERUSALEM ON THE FAST OF PURIM
This Sunday (February 24th) is the Feast of Purim. Jerusalem, being a ‘walled city’ celebrates on “Shushan” Purim, the following day. Members from some 20 congregations around Israel will come together to worship El Elyon, the Most High God, to confess and repent of sins of ourselves and our people, to stand against the anti-Messiah (anti-Christ) religious spirits and the ancient anti-Semitic spirit of Amalek, which is growing in strength around us and throughout the world. Prayers will also be raised for God’s mercy and guidance over Israel’s civil and national governmental leaders and those of their military, in addition to guidance, unity, and singleness of righteous purpose amongst the Body of Messiah in the Land.
Purim in 2013 will officially start on Sunday, the 24th of February (in Israel) and will continue for 2 days until Monday, the 25th of February (date that Purim is celebrated outside of Israel). Note that in the Jewish calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Jews will begin to celebrate Purim starting at sunset of Saturday, the 23rd of February 2013. Let’s join them for such a time as this!
A Prayer for Purim: Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit will release revelation to the leadership of the Body of Christ to be modern day Mordecai’s who help to prepare Esther – the bride of Christ – for her task of standing in the gap for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. Holy Spirit, I ask you to anoint the reading of the book of Esther this week and that “watchmen would be awakened worldwide” to their task of standing with Israel.
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