Megillat Esther, Yoni Style (pt. 9)

Chapter 9: ...Smells Like Victory.

The date arrives: Adar 13. Civil war erupts within the Persian empire, Jew vs. non-Jew. And although the Jews were greatly outnumbered, we win!! In Shushan alone the Jews kill 500 of our enemies, as well as the ten sons of Haman.

The casualty report was brought before Achashverosh. After reviewing the results, he approached Esther:

"In Shushan, your people have killed five hundred men, and the sons of Haman. In the rest of the kingdom, they've done much, much more. So now, my queen - what else do you want? What more can I do for you?"

Why the show of kindness? Achashverosh doesn't owe anything anymore, and she hadn't asked for anything. So why does he ask?

Achashverosh is a very shrewd politician. He knows the way the political winds blow. As soon as he sees the Jews on the upswing, he jumps at the chance to become more popular. He isn't really interested in helping Esther or her people; he's interested in consolidating his power.

Esther has one small thing to ask:

"If it please his majesty, let the Jews continue to fight their enemies tomorrow. As for the ten sons of Haman, let their corpses hang on the gallows for all to see."

The king grants her request, and the Jews proceed to kill another 300 of their foes on the 14th of Adar. In total, the civil war cost the lives of 75,000 enemies of the Jews. And the spoils? They were left untouched by the victors. You see, for the Jews, it wasn't about riches. It was about self-preservation. And we got that.

After the war is over, Mordechai sends out letters to all the 127 provinces, filling them in on all the details of the palace drama/politics that was only known to a handful of people until now. He urges everyone to establish a yearly celebration on two days, the 14th and 15th of Adar (since those were the days the Jews celebrated their underdog victory).

Jews all over the empire take it upon themselves to establish an annual holiday on the 14th and 15th days of Adar to be known as Purim, in commemoration of the pur (lots) that Haman used to choose the date of his evil plan. They declared these days to be days of feasting, joyousness, giving to the needy, and sharing gifts between neighbors.

So it was written, so let it be done.