Purim (Lots), the annual festival instituted to commemorate the preservation of the Jews in Persia from the massacre with which they were threatened through the machinations of Haman (Esther 9). It was probably called Purim by the Jews in irony. Their great enemy Haman appears to have been very superstitious, and much given to casting lots (Esther 3:7). They gave the name Purim, or 'Lots', because Haman had thrown lots to ascertain what day would be auspicious for him to carry out the bloody decree which the King had issued at his insistance. (Esther 4:24).

The festival lasted two days, and was regularly observed on the 14th and 15th of Adar. According to modern custom, as soon as the stars begin to appear, when the 14th of the month has commenced, candles are lighten in token of rejoicing. After a short prayer and thanksgiving, the reading of the book of Esther begins. Some will write the name Haman on the sole of their shoe. When the reader comes to the name of Haman, the congregation cries out , "May his name be blotted out", or, "Let the name of the ungodly perish." Then they stomp their feet. When the book of Esther has been read through, the whole congregation exclaims, "cursed be Haman; blessed be Mordecai; cursed be Zoresh (the wife of Haman); blessed be Esther; cursed be all idolators; blessed be all Israelites, and blessed be Harbonah who hanged Haman."

In the morning service in the synagogue, on the 14th, after the prayers, the passage is read from the Law (Exodus 17:8-16) which relates the destruction of the Amalakites, the people of Agag (1 Samuel 15:8), the supposed ancestors of Haman (Esther 3:1). The book of Esther is then read again in the same manner. The 14th of Adar, as the very day of the deliverance of the Jews, is more solemnly kept than the 15th; but when the service in the synagogue is over, all give themselves up to merrymaking.

Vashti - is a type of the Jewish nation
King Ahasuerus - a type of Yeshua
Esther - a type of the Church
Mordecai - a type of the Holy Spirit
Hegai - a type of the Word
Seven Maidens - the seven fold ministry of the Spirit
Haman - a type of evil (the Devil)