Thoughts on Purim Story

Purim is soon and it is time to read the Book of Esther and learn its lessons and explore the twists and turns in the story. Honestly it is a good story.

This year the message turns to the importance of details.

Several points in the story emphasize the importance of details.

Because Haman leaves out the part of WHO it is that he intends to kill, Ahasueraus agrees to his plot to kill the Jews.

Because Haman doesn't ask WHO is to be honored for saving the king, Haman prescribes how Mordechi would be honored rather than killed.

The story certainly shows how the leaders of their empire are making decisions based on erroneous assumptions. I think this story must be a reflection on the author's opinion of the administration at the time he lived!

Also ... note to remember that they had been feasting for over a half of a year (180 days + a week). So what might it be like to live in a kingdom where the heads of state are in a constant state of drunkenness? Not to mention, he was the epitome of ostentatious as it says he did this to show his wealth.

So next year I want to explore the silly parts of the story...

Why do we get drunk to confuse Mordechai and Haman?

Honestly what kind of person would banish his wife because she wouldn't parade around at a drunken brawl? and then pass a law to banish her forever?

and the Historic symbolism....

Mordechai was descendent of the tribe of Benjamin and Haman from Agag. Hmmm... we have some previous mention of these groups to explore.

Ah, there are so many good details in this book.