Esther 9:21 (KJV): "To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,"

The book of Esther, from which this verse is taken, is a fascinating story of courage, faith, and the providence of God. It is set during the time of the Persian Empire and tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who becomes queen and risks her life to save her people from a plot to destroy them. The verse in question comes at the end of the story, after the Jews have been victorious over their enemies, and Mordecai, Esther's cousin, establishes the celebration of the Feast of Purim to commemorate their deliverance.

The verse speaks to the establishment of an annual celebration to remember the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies. This act of remembering is a crucial aspect of the Jewish faith, as it shapes their identity as a people and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and protection. In this context, the verse serves as a directive to the Jewish people to remember and celebrate their deliverance on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar every year.

One of the themes that emerge from this verse is the concept of remembrance. The establishment of the Feast of Purim reflects the Jewish tradition of remembering and retelling their stories of deliverance and redemption. By setting aside specific days each year to commemorate their victory, the Jewish people strengthen their sense of identity and connection to their history. This act of remembrance also serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and providential care for His people.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of obedience to God's commands. The directive to observe the Feast of Purim yearly demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions and living in accordance with His will. This act of obedience not only helps to preserve the memory of their deliverance but also reinforces their commitment to God and His covenant with them.

The context of this verse is also significant. The book of Esther takes place during a time when the Jewish people were living in exile in a foreign land. The establishment of the Feast of Purim served as a way for them to maintain their identity and faith in a hostile environment. By celebrating their deliverance, they were affirming their trust in God's sovereign providence and His ability to protect and uphold them even in the midst of adversity.

Symbolically, the Feast of Purim can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance that is found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Jewish people were delivered from destruction through the courage and intercession of Esther, so too are believers delivered from sin and death through the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross. The establishment of the Feast of Purim serves as a prefiguration of the salvation and redemption that is to come through the Messiah.

In conclusion, Esther 9:21 is a significant verse that highlights the importance of remembrance, obedience, and faith in God's providence. The establishment of the Feast of Purim reflects the Jewish tradition of commemorating their deliverance and serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and protection. This verse reminds us of the significance of honoring and celebrating God's miraculous interventions in our lives and the importance of passing down these stories to future generations. Ultimately, it points us to the ultimate deliverance and redemption found in Jesus Christ.