Pur

Biblical Text and Content

Pur appears in the Book of Esther. According to Esther 3:7, in the first month, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, "they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month," to determine the day and the month, and the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month Adar. On the basis of this date, Haman had a decree issued in the king's name ordering the destruction of the Jews (Esther 3:13).

After the situation is reversed through the actions of Esther and Mordecai, Esther 9:24 recalls how Haman had cast Pur in order to destroy the Jews. Esther 9:26 then explains, "Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur." This is the origin of the name of Purim.

Background and Meaning of the Word

The text itself explains the unfamiliar word pur by means of the Hebrew word goral ("lot"). For this reason, pur is regarded not as a native Hebrew word but as a loanword. Scholars generally hold that it derives from the Akkadian pūru, meaning "lot." Purim is the plural form of pur.

The story is set in the royal court of the Persian Empire. Ahasuerus is commonly identified with Xerxes I. The text does not specify what instrument or method was used to cast the lot, nor whether the act had a divinatory character.

Significance in the Whole of Scripture

In the Old Testament, the casting of lots was used for purposes such as the allotment of land and the assignment of duties. Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD." The Book of Esther never mentions the name of God. Many interpreters therefore discern divine providence in the fact that Haman's lot pointed to a date nearly a year away, allowing time for a response, and in the reversal by which that day ultimately became a day of victory for the Jews.

In the New Testament, lots also appear when Matthias was appointed an apostle (Acts 1:26) and when the soldiers divided Jesus' garments (John 19:24). However, neither the word pur nor the festival of Purim is mentioned by name in the New Testament. Some identify "a feast of the Jews" in John 5:1 with Purim, but this is not settled.

Interpretation and Points of Discussion

• Greek additions: The Book of Esther in the Septuagint contains additions not found in the Hebrew text. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches accept these as canonical, while Protestants do not include them in the canon. These additions are known to contain a passage that interprets two lots in connection with the will of God.
• Commonly added explanations: It is often added that Haman fixed the date by consulting a deity or by astrology, but the text does not state this directly.

In the Korean Church

Korean Protestants do not observe Purim as a festival. Pur is mentioned mainly in sermons on Esther and in Bible study, when explaining the reversal of Haman's scheme and the providence of God.