Today is the first day of the twelfth month on the Biblical calendar. Since exile, it has been called Adar which means "glorious."
This is the month of the Festival of Purim commemorating the dramatic turnaround of events for the Jewish people which we read about in the Book of Esther.
In brief, the story of Purim is this: The king of Persia had deposed his wife and needed a new one. All the beautiful women of his kingdom were brought before him and he selected Esther to be his queen, not knowing that she was Jewish. The king's top advisor hated the Jews, particularly a Jew named Mordecai who just so happened to be Esther's cousin. Haman devised a plan to kill not just Mordecai but all Jewish people in the entire Persian Empire and all of its provinces. Haman arranged for a decree of destruction against all Jews. When Mordecai learned of this plot, he urged Esther to represent her people before the king even if it cost her very life. Esther fasted and prayed for three days with no water or food. When she went before the king, he received her and listened to her request. Eventually, she revealed her Jewishness and exposed Haman's evil plot. In a series of marvelous turnarounds orchestrated by God, the king issued a new decree to save the Jews, Haman was hung on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai's execution, and Esther continued as queen and Mordecai became the king's top adviser! Hallelujah!
It is Jewish tradition to read aloud the entire Book of Esther in a jovial manner on the day of Purim. Everyone shouts, "Boo!" at every mention of Haman, "Yay!" at every mention of Mordecai the Jew, and "Ahhh" at every mention of Esther because of her beauty.
Other notable events this month include: Ezekiel prophesying the destruction of Pharaoh and the downfall of Egypt due to their pride in their own strength; King Jehoiachin of Judah being released from prison in Babylonian exile and allowed to dine at the king of Babylon's table; and construction of the second Temple being completed by the returned exiles who rejoiced and brought many sacrifices to God.
There is a saying that, "with Adar comes great joy." Therefore, in Jesus' name, may this be for you a glorious and joyful month of God's turnaround breakthrough and favor, the downfall and defeat of your enemies, and the completion of God's work from this past season of your life.
Scripture References in this Month:
Originally published as: "The Blessing of Adar" - Reprinted from Blessings of the Biblical Calendar - Copyright © 2013 Wendy Bowen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE