Today is Purim, a traditional Jewish holiday commemorating Esther’s stand against the evil Haman, who was plotting to kill all of the Jews in the Persian kingdom.
Queen Esther’s cousin Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, an assistant to King Xerxes. Haman cast lots – or “purs” – to decide which day to kill all of the Jews as punishment to Mordecai, who refused to bow because of his Jewish faith. Esther invited King Xerxes and Haman to two dinner parties before revealing her Jewish faith and Haman’s evil plan. King Xerxes ordered Haman to death.
Enjoy this clip from What’s in the Bible? Volume 7: Exile & Return! (Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther) – which releases on March 27 and explains what is Purim!
