by Shannon Bennett
Many people around the world are already celebrating the prospect of freedom for Iranians from Iran’s state-sponsored terror regime, which has suppressed its people for nearly 50 years. What we are witnessing—coordinated US-Israel efforts to topple this evil regime—is certainly cause for rejoicing.
Most profoundly is the timing of this war, which started just last week. It coincides with Purim, a biblical holiday commemorating the centuries-old story of Esther, a young Jewish girl, whose steadfast bravery, wisdom, and determination before her husband, the king of Persia (ancient Iran), led to the protection of her people from certain extermination at the hands of Haman.
Israelis and Christians alike have likely been scouring the book of Esther over the past few days for insights into why the standoff with Iran is coming to a head now, during Purim (March 2–3 this year).
The events described in Esther mark a pivotal moment in the long and complex history between Israel and what is now Iran. That history is mixed, marked by periods of close friendship as well as times of open hostility. Consider Cyrus, the benevolent Persian monarch who granted the exiled Jews a royal decree allowing them to return to Jerusalem after their 70-year captivity in Babylon and begin rebuilding the temple—even contributing some of his own funds to support the effort.
There were also good relations between Israel and Iran during the reign of the former Shah, who even had the book of Esther read in Iranian public schools at Purim to celebrate the positive, historic links between the two peoples.
However, Israel’s current struggle with Iran is complex. Israel’s opposition is not directed at the Iranian people, but at the clerical regime—the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran—which is intent on emphasizing only the negative chapters of that shared history. This is reflected in periods when Persian courtiers sought the complete annihilation of the Jewish people, devising schemes to deceive various kings into unknowingly signing death warrants against a people they, in fact, admired.
The book of Esther is unique in the Bible because it is the only book that never directly mentions God. Yet He is a hidden deliverer, working behind the scenes through the young maiden, Esther, who herself becomes a hidden means of deliverance for her people.
Also hidden within the story of Purim are clues that reveal the roots behind the clash between Mordechai (Esther’s uncle) and the evil Haman, who was bent on annihilating the Jewish people. This was just the latest episode in a long-standing rivalry between Israel and its bitter historic enemy, Amalek: Haman was an Agagite, from the royal house of Agag, king of the Amalekites. Mordechai was a descendant of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin.
The Amalekites had been implacable foes of Israel since the Exodus from Egypt, and the Lord even vowed that He would “have war with Amalek from generation to generation” (Exodus 17:16). Indeed, Amalek’s seething hatred toward Israel lashed out at them in the wilderness, then in Saul’s battle with Agag, and again in David’s confrontation with the Amalekite raiders at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30).
This “Amalek spirit” that boiled over in the rivalry between Haman and Mordechai in the book of Esther is the same spirit we see fighting God’s people, Israel, today.
Iran’s current evil government has been plotting Israel’s destruction for nearly half a century, as well as the extermination of the entire Western world. Though it claims peace, its leaders are driven by a present darkness that must be dealt with.
The United States is confronting the regime that has long oppressed the Iranian people, seeking to deal a decisive blow to its leadership. As we witness events unfold—echoing the story of Esther—we stand in awe of God’s sovereign hand. And we watch in hope for the people of Iran, who have endured suffering for far too long.
Israel and the United States must not be satisfied with a quick war that only brings partial results. The leaders of these two countries need continued courage, wisdom, and determination—like Queen Esther of old—to see this through to a decisive victory that ends the reign of the cancerous mullahs in Tehran.
Purim reminds us that evil does not prevail forever. Plots collapse. Tyrants fall. And what evil means for destruction, God can turn into deliverance. We must pray for courage equal to the hour—for leaders who will not waver, for clarity that cuts through deception, and for endurance to see justice through to completion.
But we must also pray for awakening among the Iranian people and for the day when former enemies stand together in peace.
Purim feels different this year. Esther’s courage, God’s unseen hand, and the long struggle between Israel and its enemies are no longer distant stories but unfolding in real time. This year, Purim reminds us that the God who preserved His people in Esther’s day still governs the rise and fall of regimes.
And no darkness, however entrenched, can withstand His purposes.
David Parsons is the Vice President and Senior Spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). He has been with ICEJ for over two decades and is responsible for public relations and media contacts with the Israeli and foreign press corps. Parsons is also an author, attorney, journalist, and Middle East specialist, known for his advocacy and media presence regarding Israel.
