“Truly You are God, who hides Yourself, O God of Israel, the Saviour”
Isaiah 45:15
As the Jewish world celebrates Purim this week according to Esther 9:26-28, we can rejoice with them concerning God’s deliverance once again, from the evil plans of their enemies.
When the story of Esther is read during the Festival, it is from a scroll called a megillah, which is completely unrolled before reading to symbolise that it is only when one knows the entire story, does one realise the Hand of God was behind all the events recorded in this story. Esther is the only Book that does not mention God’s Name. Fun traditions include wearing masks or dressing up as someone else at this time, to emphasise the lesson that this Book reveals – not everything is as it seems.
Even Hadassah the Jewish girl who became a queen in a pagan empire, received the Persian name of Esther which when written in Hebrew spells the Hebrew word ‘to conceal’ (Asteer).
The hidden Hand of God! Purim teaches us how to find God behind history – and in today’s headlines. Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
This week’s Biblical & Prophetic Teaching Webinar will be hosted by ICEJ Vice President & Senior Spokesman David Parsons featuring special Israeli guest and Torah Scribe, Rabbi Shmuel Bowman discussing: ‘Lessons from Purim’.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
