This book gives the origins of the Jewish feast of Purim. The word "pur" means "lot," referring to the lot cast by Haman to determine the time for the extermination of the Jews. Haman's plan was dramatically reversed. The Jews were able to destroy their enemies instead of being destroyed. This reversal was due to the fasting, courage, and wisdom of Queen Esther. This supernatural reversal of a plan for destruction into overwhelming victory is celebrated in the feast of Purim and prefigured the ultimate victory of Jesus.

Key word    IMPOSSIBLE VICTORY
 
Key verse    "The pur, or lot, was cast in Haman's presence to determine the day and the month for the destruction of Mordecai's people on a single day." —3:7
 
Command verse    "Go and assemble all the Jews who are in Susa; fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking, night or day, for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way." —4:16
 
Promise verse    "He ordered them to celebrate every year both the fourteenth and the fifteenth of the month of Adar as the days on which the Jews obtained rest from their enemies and as the month which was turned for them from sorrow into joy, from mourning into festivity. They were to observe these days with feasting and gladness." —9:21-22
 
Difficult verse    "They killed seventy-five thousand of their foes, without engaging in plunder." —9:16
 
Surprise verse    "So they hanged Haman on the gibbet which he had made ready for Mordecai, and the anger of the king abated." —7:10
 
Prayer: "My Lord, our King, You alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but You" (C:14).