Feast of Lots in Hebrew is Purim (Poor-im) 357 B.C. The Book of Esther is revisited during this Feast. The scroll of Esther is read on this occasion, also known as Krait Ha-Megillah. Haman, an enemy of the Jews, plots to destroy and kill off the Jewish Nation who live within the Persian Empire. The Jewish Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, with divine intervention, are able to stop this horrific act. Biblical history substantiates a spiritual battle has raged to keep the Messiah from arriving. Satan has pursued the Jewish Nation with untold hatred. Without the Jews, baby Messiah would never have been born, or the Holy Bible was written! Prophecies concerning the Jewish Nation have come true, as Yahweh will never abandon the state of Israel. If the Jewish Nation had been wiped from the face of the Earth, where is the redemption story for all mankind? Queen Esther is known by her Persian name, meaning ‘Star.’ Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, which means ‘Myrtle.’ Purim is a joyful feast, remembering again Yahweh delivers His people. Haman’s plot to destroy Israel is foiled. Esther’s cousin Mordecai learned of the plan and told Esther, and she told the King. Haman is executed as Persian King Xerxes decrees the order. The execution took place in the month of Adar (Esther 9:18-32).
Messiah promises to deliver all who trust in Him. (Isaiah 53, Romans 6:23) Persecution will exist but will not prevail because ‘Immanuel is with us’ (Isaiah 8:10).
The word Purim means ‘lots’ and is referenced to the day when Haman cast lots to decide the day of the destruction of the Jewish people (Esther 3:7).
What you have read is a short summary of the Feasts. May the Creator continue to expand your understanding and joy as you seek Him. Yahweh appoints these first seven Feasts to recall past, present, and future fulfillments.
One more final note, three of the seven appointed Feasts were pilgrimage Feasts. Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem to appear before Yahweh (Deuteronomy 16:16).
The Three Pilgrimage Feasts
Pesach – Passover and Hag Matzot – Feast of the Unleavened Bread
Shavuot – The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
Sukkot – The Feast of Tabernacles (Feast of Booths)