"Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?" (Ps 94:16)

 The Feast of Purim is celebrated in memory of the victory over Haman's evil scheme to wipe out the Jewish people in Persia.

"On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.

"For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king's attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it upon themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants." (Est 9:1-2, 24-28)

During the Passover Seder, the Jewish people have always said that in every generation there is always a Haman who wants to destroy the Jewish people. Hitler certainly was one of them, but he is unfortunately not the only example throughout history. Today there is definitely another Haman loose again. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is driven by an apocalyptic vision to prepare the way for the Muslim "Messiah," who will conquer the world for Islam. Part of this preparation is to destroy Israel.

 

There are two annual Jewish Feasts besides the ones mentioned in the Torah of Moses: Chanukah and Purim. Both of them have to do with victory over a threat to destroy the Jewish people. On Purim the threat came from Persia (Iran) and on Chanukah from Greece. Both of these Feasts have end time significance. Iran is today taking the lead of the Islamic agenda to wipe out the regathered nation of Israel. The final antichristian threat will come from Europe (Greece). "And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come." (Dan 10:20) Like Esther did we must take our stand today against the threat from Iran in fasting and daily prayer.

 

In the beginning of 1980 we first saw some flyers on the streets in our own home town in Sweden entitled "The Liberation of AlQuds (The Moslem name for Jerusalem)." We thought that the people behind the distribution of these flyers, who supported the Islamic revolution in Iran, were crazy lunatics. This was 28 years ago. Today after almost three decades of hard work these people believe that they are very close to realizing their goal. Friends, it is time to fast and pray!

 

One of the customs of Purim, besides sending food and gifts to friends and needy, is to dress up in costumes. A biblical reason for this custom is that the name of God is never mentioned in the Book of Esther. His mighty hand of deliverance is hidden, dressed up in a story of political intrigue.

 

This is so prophetic for our day. Many Christians do not see the spiritual aspect behind today's events in Israel. They only see politics. There are many theologians and Bible teachers who claim that today's Israel has nothing to do with the Bible. They are blind and cannot discern the hand of God or the spiritual realities involved. We thank God for the watchmen that he is raising up today! May Esther arise and take her place!

 

Here is an article written by the recognized Jewish scholar on the modern state of Israel Benny Morris about the threat from Iran and another Jewish Holocaust. Link!

 

Yeshua said to Jerusalem, "how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings." (Mt 23:37) This is the ultimate protection and answer for Israel. But until this happens we must continue to stand in the gap and build a wall of protection around Israel with fasting and prayer.

 

The Prince of Persia is the same demonic power that Daniel was up against in prayer and fasting and which later inspired Haman to decree the annihilation of the Jewish people. Today the same spiritual principality is arising again and is fueling Ahmedinejad's desire to wipe out Israel. This is the time for Esther to arise in cooperation with the wisdom of Mordecai.

 

The lesson in the Feast of Purim is that in the end the enemy of the Jews will be removed, Mordecai, representing the Jewish people, will be elevated and Esther, the Bride, will rule on the throne with the King! Esther is introduced as the daughter of Abihail. Abihail means "father of strength or might." As born again people who make up the Bride we are sons and daughters of the Most High. And just like it was with Esther, the unknown ancestry of the Bride is Jewish.

 

The secret to Esther's success was the she listened to and submitted to the advice of her wise uncle, "Mordecai, the Jew." "…she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up." (Est 2:20) Heeding the instructions of our true fathers, the Hebrew prophets and apostles, will be the mark of the overcoming Bride that will be elevated to the throne in the last days!

 

The destruction of the enemy forces coming against Jerusalem is according to Zechariah 12:9-10 connected to the outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication upon Israel.  But the victory will also bring about world wide revival. The Book of Joel says, "Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed. And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people." (Joel 2:27-28) When the Eternal is glorified in Israel, the Spirit is poured out on all people!

 

A very important prayer topic in this situation is also to pray for a revival in Iran. We have kept this as a standing prayer topic for the past three years on our web site. Thousands of Muslims in Iran are coming to faith in Yeshua in these days. If you want to get more information about praying for revival in Iran, please visit http://www.prayerforiran.org

 

 

A Time of Rejoicing

 

Purim is a time of rejoicing over God's deliverance.

"Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

 

"So the Jews agreed to continue the celebration they had begun, doing what Mordecai had written to them. For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king's attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it upon themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants.

 

"So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim." (Esth 9:20-29)

The Eternal says in his Word that he is the One who will "make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling." (Zech 12:2) This is exactly what we see today and he has a plan and a purpose behind it all. May we not rest or remain silent until Jerusalem becomes the praise of all the earth!

"When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

 

"Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."

When our prayers and the prayers of generations before us are finally answered, it will happen very suddenly, like streams in the Negev that break forth every year with sudden force. Please enjoy the following 1 minute video clip showing in reality the restoration of streams in the Negev. Here the roar as dry ground suddenly is emerged with gushing water and the people shout and run for cover: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8750134985340587369 "Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev! Amen!"

 

 

How You Can Celebrate Purim

 

There are five things connected with this celebration. 

1. Fast. The day before Purim on Adar 13 is called the Fast of Esther. We encourage you to take this day in fasting and prayer for Israel and the salvation of the Jewish people.

"'For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?' Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'" (Est 4:14-16) 

1. Read. Take time to carefully read through the entire Book of Esther. If you have children encourage them to act out the story of Esther with costumes. If you have not already read the Book of Esther please do so.

"These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants." (Est 9:28)

1. Celebrate. Adar 14 and 15 are celebrations with joy. Arrange a festive meal and make sure that you eat Haman hats. Here are some recipes. Link!

"Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy." (Est 9:20-22)

1. Share. Give food and sweets to your friends and neighbors.

"He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another." (Est 9:22)

1. Give. Give gifts to the poor.

"He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor." (Est 9:22)

 Chag Purim Semeach! We wish you all a happy and blessed Feast of Purim!

"Again, it says, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.'" (Rom 15:10)

 

"Prepare the way for the LORD"