Adar (1)
Biblical Usage and References
Adar appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in two books: Ezra and Esther. In Ezra 6:15, the completion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem is dated to the third day of Adar, during the sixth year of King Darius's reign. This marks a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration after the Babylonian exile. The month receives far more attention in the Book of Esther, where it is mentioned eight times (Esther 3:7, 13; 8:12; 9:1, 15, 17, 19, 21). Initially, the text defines it as "the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar" (Esther 3:7), but later references use the name alone, assuming the reader's familiarity.
The Month of Purim
The entire narrative climax of Esther unfolds in Adar. Haman, the royal vizier, casts lots ("purim") to determine a date for the extermination of the Jews, and the lot falls on the thirteenth day of Adar (Esther 3:7, 13). Through Queen Esther's intervention, King Ahasuerus issues a second edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves. This leads to the Jews' victory over their enemies on the thirteenth and fourteenth of Adar (Esther 9:1-19). These days of deliverance are thereafter commemorated annually as the festival of Purim, a time of feasting, joy, and giving gifts (Esther 9:20-28). The transformation of Adar from a month designated for destruction into a month of celebration and remembrance is central to the book's message.
Intercalation: The Second Adar
To keep the lunar-based Hebrew calendar synchronized with the solar year and the agricultural seasons, an extra month was periodically added. This intercalary month, called Adar Sheni (Second Adar) or Veadar, was inserted before the regular Adar. This practice ensured that Passover (in the month of Nisan) always occurred in the spring (Exodus 13:4, 23:15). Important religious implications followed: Purim is celebrated in the second Adar during a leap year, while the fast of Esther is observed in the first Adar. This system highlights the biblical and Jewish commitment to maintaining the divinely appointed "appointed times" (Leviticus 23) in their proper seasons.
Post-Biblical Development and Legacy
In Jewish tradition, Adar's character is shaped profoundly by the Purim story. The Talmudic saying "When Adar enters, joy increases" reflects this association. The month is seen as a time of reversed fortunes and divine salvation hidden within historical events. The practice of intercalation, managed by the Sanhedrin in antiquity, became formalized in the fixed calendar system established in the 4th century CE. This ensured the perpetual timing of festivals. For Christians, the story of Esther in Adar is often viewed as a powerful narrative of God's providence and protection of His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Biblical Context
Adar is explicitly named in the books of Ezra and Esther. In Ezra 6:15, it provides the date for the dedication of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. In Esther, it is the setting for the entire Purim narrative. The month is first introduced as the twelfth month (Esther 3:7) and is the timeframe for Haman's genocidal decree, the Jews' defensive battle, and the subsequent establishment of the Purim festival. It plays a crucial chronological and thematic role, marking a time of existential threat transformed into national deliverance and celebration.
Theological Significance
The events of Adar in the Book of Esther powerfully illustrate the theme of divine providence. Although God is never directly named in Esther, His hand is seen orchestrating events, from Esther becoming queen to the king's sleepless night, to save His covenant people. The reversal of fate, where the Jews' intended day of destruction becomes a day of victory, underscores God's faithfulness and sovereignty over history. The institution of Purim as a perpetual feast (Esther 9:28) establishes a theology of remembrance, calling God's people to celebrate His deliverance. Furthermore, the intercalation of a second Adar reflects a theological commitment to maintaining the sacred rhythm of God's appointed times and seasons.
Historical Background
The name 'Adar' is of Babylonian origin, adopted by the Jews during the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE), along with other Babylonian month names. This reflects the cultural integration of the diaspora community. The Babylonian calendar was lunisolar. The practice of intercalation (adding a month) to align the lunar year with the solar/agricultural cycle was well-established in the ancient Near East. Extra-biblical sources, including the Babylonian Talmud and later Jewish calendrical texts, detail the meticulous process by which the Sanhedrin would declare a leap year based on agricultural conditions in Judea, ensuring Passover fell in the spring month of Aviv (Exodus 13:4).