Definition: To confirm these days of Purim in their times [appointed], according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Esther 9:31. It’s a really interesting and significant passage about planning for a big celebration! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying that the Jewish people were preparing for a huge festival called Purim – a joyous time of celebration – and they were doing it in a specific way. Let's unpack the details: “To confirm these days of Purim…” : This means to prepare for the start of the Purim celebrations. It’s about setting things up for a big event. “…in their times [appointed], according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them…” : This is where it gets really interesting. Mordecai was a Jewish advisor to King Esther. The verse says that Mordecai specifically advised the Jewish people to do something – fast, cry, and prepare for the festival. He gave them a plan or instruction. “…and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed…” : This is crucial. It's saying that this plan wasn’t just some random idea. It was a rule given to the Jewish people by their leaders – specifically, Mordecai and Esther. The word "seed" refers to future generations of Jews. "...the matters of the fastings and their cry." : This means they were planning to do things like fasting (abstaining from food) and crying out – perhaps expressing grief or sorrow. It was a ritual practice meant to show solidarity and repentance, especially during times of trouble. So, putting it all together: The verse is telling us that the Jewish people were organizing a big celebration called Purim. They followed a specific set of rules and rituals – fasting and crying – as instructed by Mordecai, who was a key advisor to King Esther. This plan was designed to be a way for them to show unity and repentance during a time of hardship. Why is this important? This verse shows that even in times of great danger or difficulty, people were still adhering to tradition and establishing a framework for their community to come together and show support. It highlights the importance of following established rules and practices when things are tough. In short: Purim was a planned event with specific rituals – fasting and crying – that the Jewish people were preparing for. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about Purim? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader sense (like unity, repentance, or community)?