Watching the events unfold with the US and Israel in Iran is stirring our spirits. As we read through online comments, it becomes clear that many who do not support the Jewish people and their right to a homeland—or who are unaware of where we are on the Hebrew calendar—may be missing the deeper significance of this moment.
What we are witnessing feels like an echo of the story found in the book of Esther. Ancient Persia is modern-day Iran, and the Jewish people today are the descendants of those Haman sought to destroy. The Jews living in Persia during Esther’s time were part of the diaspora scattered by earlier exiles. The Assyrians had carried away the ten northern tribes of Israel, and later the tribes of Judah and Benjamin also faced threats—including Haman’s decree of destruction.
Today, about half of the world’s Jewish population lives in the nation of Israel. For many believers, this represents the fulfillment of biblical promises about the exiles returning to the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Modern Iranian leaders, much like Haman in Esther’s day, have openly called for the destruction of Israel for decades. The parallels are hard to ignore.
Now, fast forward to the present. As news broke of the first strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, we realized that Purim begins in just three days—the same length of time Esther fasted and prayed before approaching the king on behalf of her people. Watching these events unfold feels like watching history rhyme with itself.
The hateful comments circulating online bring to mind Jesus’ parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). Those who are watchful, prepared, and filled with light are seeking to understand what is happening through a biblical lens. We recognize that even if our only role is prayer—for believers in Israel and Iran alike—we are still called to stand faithfully. Like the wise virgins, we are to keep our lamps full, living in repentance and daily obedience to Christ, shining light in our generation.
But those who are indifferent or opposed resemble the virgins without oil. They once had oil, yet the distractions and pressures of the world have drained them, and they have not sought to be refilled. Their light is dimming, and they do not see the urgency of the hour.
Esther calls us to courage and prayer in our day. Jesus calls us to readiness and faithfulness. May this moment stir us to remain spiritually alert, biblically aware, compassionate, and wise. As Purim begins Monday evening at sunset, we watch, we pray, and we trust the Lord with whatever unfolds in the days ahead.
