Definition: Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage from Esther 9:26. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is about how the Jewish people celebrated a huge festival – Purim – after a period of great trouble and hardship. It’s a way of acknowledging the suffering they endured and reaffirming their faith. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Esther 9:26” : This is the verse itself, coming from the Book of Esther in the Bible. It's a specific passage within a larger story. “Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur.” This is the key part. "Pur" was an ancient Jewish name for this festival. So, what’s happening here? The people changed the name of Pur to “Purim” – meaning "Festival of Pur." It's like they were deliberately creating a new holiday in honor of their suffering. “Therefore for all the words of this letter, and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them.” This is where it gets more complicated. “This letter” refers to the instructions given to Esther by King Mordecai. Let’s break down what "which they had seen" means: “They had seen” : This refers to a period of significant trouble and hardship that the Jews faced – likely after the Persian Empire conquered them. “Concerning this matter” : They were experiencing something troubling, like being threatened or facing dangers. “Which had come unto them” : This is where it gets really interesting. The verses before this point describe a series of events – perhaps betrayals, conspiracies, and acts of violence – that the Jews experienced during that time. These events were seen by them, and they remembered them. So, putting it all together: The verse is saying: "Because of these difficult times, they decided to create a new festival called Purim – which means 'Festival of Pur' – as a way to remember their suffering and show gratitude for God’s protection." It's a symbolic act of remembering the past and reaffirming their faith. What does this tell us about the story? This verse highlights: Symbolic Importance: The festival of Purim was not just about having fun; it was a way to honor God and remember the hardships they had overcome. Remembering History: It shows how the Jewish people used stories and traditions to cope with difficult times, and how important storytelling is in preserving their history and identity. In short, this verse demonstrates a deliberate choice to create a new festival to commemorate suffering, ultimately reflecting a deep spiritual faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give an example of how Purim was celebrated? Discuss the significance of Esther's role in this story?