Esther 9:19 KJV

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

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Esther 9:19 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Esther 9:19

Esther 9:19 states: "Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another." This verse is part of the conclusion of the Book of Esther, where the celebration of Purim is established, marking the Jews' deliverance from their enemies.

Overview of the Context

The context of this verse is pivotal in understanding its significance. The narrative details the plots of Haman against the Jews, their eventual deliverance, and the subsequent establishment of an annual feast. The Jews are instructed to celebrate this victory, which serves as a reminder of their faithfulness and God's providence.

Theological Insights

This verse emphasizes key theological themes relevant to pastors, students, and theologians:

  • Divine Providence: The context surrounding Esther highlights God's sovereignty in protecting His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned.
  • Community and Fellowship: The command for Jews to send portions to one another underlines the importance of community in celebrating God's providence.
  • Joy in Deliverance: The designation of the day as one of gladness points to the joy found in salvation and deliverance, paralleling several biblical themes of rejoicing in the Lord.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry notes that this verse signifies the distinction between the village Jews and those in the walled cities. He emphasizes that for those in unwalled towns, the significance of the day is marked by joy and community bonding through sharing. He reflects on how deliverance from peril becomes a communal feast, where the joy of salvation is shared among families and neighbors.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes provides a theological lens on the significance of the fourteenth day of the month Adar. He comments on how the institution of Purim is not just a historical marker but a perpetual reminder of Jewish identity and resilience. Barnes underscores that the act of feasting and sending portions to one another embodies the essence of God’s covenant community and the collective memory of salvation from oppression.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke expands on the social implications of this celebratory day. He suggests that the unwalled towns had distinct social dynamics compared to the cities, allowing for more personal and intimate celebrations. Clarke notes that this verse captures the essence of gratitude, where sharing food is a metaphor for mutual support and divine thankfulness, reinforcing community bonds.

Practical Applications

For pastors and theologians, Esther 9:19 offers deep insights into practical theology:

  • Celebration in Community: Churches can draw from this example to create traditions that celebrate deliverance and blessings as communal experiences.
  • Encouraging Generosity: The act of sending portions to others can serve as a model for church outreach and benevolence, reminding congregations of their duty to care for one another.
  • Memorializing Deliverance: Just as the Jews established Purim as an annual reminder of deliverance, modern faith communities should establish practices that commemorate God’s faithfulness in their lives.

Conclusion

Esther 9:19 encapsulates a rich theological and communal history that underlines the importance of celebration in a faith community. By understanding the doctrinal implications and historical context, modern readers can find profound encouragement and inspiration in the practice of communal feasting, generous acts of sharing, and above all, rejoicing in God’s deliverance.