God’s deliverance must not only be experienced, but also consciously remembered and passed on.
Esther 9:23–28 shows that the memory of God’s faithfulness strengthens the people in crisis and prepares believers for future trials.
The book of Esther is unique in that God’s name is not directly mentioned in it, yet His providence is visible throughout the development of events. In Esther 9:23–28, the Jews decide to celebrate Purim every year in memory of their wondrous deliverance from Haman’s plot. This was not merely a historical remembrance, but a spiritual act of faith: the people acknowledged that behind the scenes of human decisions stood the Lord, who turned the threat into victory. For us today, these verses carry important lessons about God’s protection, remembrance of His works, and a foreshadowing of the final crisis before the end of history.
The memory of God’s salvation should be preserved through the generations
The Jews "established… that these days should be remembered and kept… and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants" (see Esther 9:27–28). This teaches that God’s works should not remain only in personal experience. What God has done for His people should become part of the spiritual memory of the family, the congregation, and future generations.
In the Bible, the Lord often calls His people to remember His works. Memory strengthens trust when new difficulties arise.
"And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart" Deut 8:2
For modern Christians this means that we must consciously preserve testimonies of God’s guidance, teach children biblical history, and tell how the Lord has worked in our lives. In the Adventist understanding, this is especially important at a time when the world is rapidly losing spiritual memory and biblical landmarks.
God can turn the enemy’s scheme against himself
The story of Purim emphasizes that Haman intended to destroy God’s people, but his plan came back upon his own head. This is one of the great biblical principles: evil does not have the last word. Even when the enemy appears strong, the Lord is able to overthrow his intentions.
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" Ps 34:20
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn" Isa 54:17
This does not mean that God’s people will not pass through anxiety or persecution. But it does mean that the final outcome belongs to God. In the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the enemy constantly seeks to erase the faithful from the face of the earth, yet the Lord preserves those who trust in Him. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that in the time of the final crisis, God’s people will pass through trial, but will not be forsaken by heaven.
Purim as a foreshadowing of the time of the end
For Seventh-day Adventists, the story of Esther also has a prophetic tone. Just as in Esther’s day a decree was issued against the Jews, so before the Second Coming God’s people will face global pressure. The book of Revelation describes a time when faithfulness to God will become the central issue, and the Lord’s people will be under threat because of their devotion to His commandments.
"Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!" Rev. 14:12
"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be" Matt 24:21
In this sense, Purim foreshadows that even at the moment when God’s people appear defenseless, the Lord is already at work for their salvation. Just as Esther became an instrument of providence at a decisive time, so today God calls His people to faithfulness, courage, and prayer. The crisis of the end will not cancel God’s promises; on the contrary, it will make His deliverance even more evident.
God’s presence is real, even when it is not visibly apparent
One of the deepest lessons of the book of Esther is that God works even in silence. His name is not heard in the text, yet it is He who governs the sequence of events: the king’s sleeplessness, the timely reminder about Mordecai, Esther’s rise, Haman’s exposure. In the same way, in our lives the Lord does not always act obviously, but His hand guides those who trust in Him.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" Rom 8:28
When believers go through uncertainty, delayed answers to prayer, or pressure from the world, the story of Purim reminds us: the absence of a visible miracle does not mean the absence of God. Providence often works quietly, but precisely. That is why faith rests not only on what we see, but on God’s character and His Word.
A practical lesson for our time
Esther 9:23–28 teaches us at least four things. First, we must remember God’s works and thank Him for them, rather than living as though everything happened by chance. Second, we should teach children and the church the stories of God’s faithfulness, so that on the day of trial they will have something to stand on. Third, we should not fear the enemy’s plans more than we trust the Lord, for He is able to turn evil against itself. Fourth, we should look at Esther’s story as encouragement for the last days: God’s people may pass through crisis, but they will never be abandoned.
Therefore, the practical application is simple and profound: preserve the memory of God’s answers, pray with trust in crises, raise your family in biblical hope, and remain faithful to God even when circumstances seem threatening. The same Lord who preserved the Jews in Esther’s day is able to sustain His people today and lead them to final victory.
