Esther 9:27-28 - Homilies By F. Hastings

A memorial feast.

"And the Jews ordained and took upon them … that these days should be remembered."

I. The memorial feast was in recognition of a great DELIVERANCE . The deliverance effected by Mordecai and Esther for the Jews, hints at that effected for us by Jesus. There are points of great similarity. The Lord's Supper is not only a feast of love, but in memory of our great deliverance from sin and death.

II. The memorial was ordained READILY . Gratitude led to this. A further object was a desire to stimulate to similar faith in God in further circumstances of trial.

III. The memorial was to be PERPETUAL . How faithfully have the Jews of every age kept that which was "ordained." We should keep that which Jesus instituted. Parents may lay upon their children certain moral obligations, but not now ceremonial burdens. That which they enjoin should be first observed by "themselves."—H.