Esther 9:31
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
What Does This Mean?
This verse is about confirming the days of Purim as a time for fasting and remembering. Mordecai and Esther, who saved the Jewish people, instructed the people to keep this tradition for themselves and their children. The key message is about remembering and celebrating God's protection through fasting and prayer.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your family have a special day when you remember something really good that happened. Esther and Mordecai wanted everyone to remember a time when God helped them, so they made a special day called Purim. They said, 'Let's all fast and pray on this day every year to remember how God helped us.'
Historical Background
The book of Esther was written around the 5th century BCE, likely by a member of the Jewish community in Persia. It was written to explain the origins of the Jewish holiday Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from the plot of the evil Haman. The text reflects the cultural setting of the Persian Empire and the Jewish diaspora.
Living It Out Today
Today, we might celebrate a family tradition like a birthday or anniversary where we remember and give thanks for blessings. Just as the Jewish people kept Purim to remember God's protection, we can set aside times to remember and thank God for specific blessings in our lives.