Big Ideas · 29 · The Queen
From Judeans to Jews
Mordecai is from the tribe of Benjamin, yet he's called a Jew. In Esther, 'Jews' are no longer those living in Judah but people throughout the world who live Jewishly.
Identity defined by difference, not territory.
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Decrees go out in 127 languages, from India to Ethiopia. The book never spells out what makes Jews distinct; it only says their laws differ and that difference draws hate. Purim celebrates the freedom to remain different.
Bible reference: Esther 8:17
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 457–458
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