Pur
“Lot”
Summary
Pur is the Persian word for 'lot,' the casting of which by Haman to determine the date for destroying the Jews gave rise to the name of the Feast of Purim.
☩Haman's Lot
In the first month of the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Haman cast 'pur, that is, the lot' before him day after day and month after month to determine the most favorable time for his planned genocide of the Jews. The lot fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (Adar), giving the Jews eleven months to prepare their defense once Mordecai and Esther intervened.
☩Origin of Purim
The feast celebrating the Jews' deliverance from Haman's plot was named Purim (the plural of pur) because of the lot Haman had cast against them. What was intended for their destruction became instead the occasion for their deliverance and a perpetual memorial of God's providential protection.
