Interpretations of the Instruction

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 128 views

Purim Torah In Jest: Unraveling the Mystery of Mordechai's Command

In the midst of a life-or-death situation, Mordechai's instructions to Esther to begin ploughing at such a crucial moment have left many puzzled. The Jewish people are on the brink of being slaughtered, and yet Mordechai's words seem to be more focused on agricultural activities than the impending doom that looms over them. In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind Mordechai's enigmatic command and explore the various interpretations that have been offered by scholars and commentators throughout history.

The Context of the Story

To understand the significance of Mordechai's words, it is essential to place them within the context of the story. The Jewish people, led by Esther, are about to be slaughtered by the evil Haman, who has convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree calling for their destruction. Mordechai, Esther's cousin and guardian, is aware of the impending danger and is desperate to save the Jewish people. In this moment of crisis, he turns to Esther and instructs her to begin ploughing.

The Instruction to Plough

The instruction to plough is recorded in the book of Esther as follows:

"כי אם החרש תחרישי בעת הזאת ... ומי יודע אם לעת כזאת הגעת למלכות"

"For if you shall surely plough at this time... and who knows if you have reached the kingdom at this time."

The word "hacharash" (החרש) means "plough" or "to plough," and "tachrish" (תחרישי) is the second person feminine singular imperative form of the verb, meaning "you shall plough." Mordechai's instruction to Esther is therefore a command to begin ploughing at that very moment.

Interpretations of the Instruction

Over the centuries, scholars and commentators have offered various interpretations of Mordechai's instruction to plough. Some have seen it as a metaphor for Esther's role in saving the Jewish people, while others have viewed it as a literal command to begin agricultural activities.

Metaphorical Interpretation: One possible interpretation is that Mordechai's instruction to plough is a metaphor for Esther's role in saving the Jewish people. Just as a plough breaks up the soil and prepares it for planting, Esther's actions will break up the evil plans of Haman and prepare the way for the salvation of the Jewish people.
Literal Interpretation: Another possible interpretation is that Mordechai's instruction to plough is a literal command to begin agricultural activities. In this view, Mordechai is instructing Esther to begin ploughing the fields, perhaps as a way of demonstrating her commitment to the Jewish people and their way of life.
Midrashic Interpretation: The Midrash, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Torah, offers a different interpretation of Mordechai's instruction to plough. According to the Midrash, Mordechai's words are a reference to the fact that Esther is a descendant of King David, who was a farmer and a ploughman. Mordechai is therefore instructing Esther to "plough" the field of her ancestors and to demonstrate her connection to the Jewish people.

The Significance of the Instruction

Regardless of the interpretation, Mordechai's instruction to plough is significant because it highlights the importance of Esther's role in saving the Jewish people. By instructing Esther to begin ploughing, Mordechai is emphasizing the need for her to take action and to demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mordechai's instruction to Esther to begin ploughing at such a crucial moment is a mysterious and enigmatic command that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Whether seen as a metaphor for Esther's role in saving the Jewish people or as a literal command to begin agricultural activities, the instruction to plough is significant because it highlights the importance of Esther's role in saving the Jewish people. As we reflect on this enigmatic command, we are reminded of the importance of taking action and demonstrating our commitment to the values and principles that are dear to us.

Additional Insights

The Importance of Action: Mordechai's instruction to Esther to begin ploughing emphasizes the importance of taking action in times of crisis. By instructing Esther to take action, Mordechai is demonstrating the need for her to be proactive and to take the initiative in saving the Jewish people.
The Significance of Agriculture: The instruction to plough also highlights the significance of agriculture in Jewish tradition. In the Torah, agriculture is seen as a way of demonstrating one's connection to the land and to the Jewish people. By instructing Esther to begin ploughing, Mordechai is emphasizing the importance of this connection.
The Role of Women: Finally, the instruction to plough also highlights the role of women in Jewish tradition. Esther, as a woman, is being instructed by Mordechai to take action and to demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish people. This emphasizes the importance of women's roles in Jewish tradition and the need for them to be proactive in saving the Jewish people.

Final Thoughts

Purim Torah In Jest: Answering Your Questions About Mordechai's Command

In our previous article, we explored the mysterious case of Mordechai's ploughing instruction to Esther. We examined the context of the story, the instruction to plough, and various interpretations of the command. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Mordechai's ploughing instruction.

Q: What does the instruction to plough mean?

A: The instruction to plough is a command to Esther to begin ploughing at that very moment. The word "hacharash" (החרש) means "plough" or "to plough," and "tachrish" (תחרישי) is the second person feminine singular imperative form of the verb, meaning "you shall plough."

Q: Why did Mordechai instruct Esther to plough at such a crucial moment?

A: There are various interpretations of Mordechai's instruction to plough. Some see it as a metaphor for Esther's role in saving the Jewish people, while others view it as a literal command to begin agricultural activities. The Midrash, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Torah, offers a different interpretation, suggesting that Mordechai's words are a reference to the fact that Esther is a descendant of King David, who was a farmer and a ploughman.

Q: What is the significance of the instruction to plough?

A: The instruction to plough is significant because it highlights the importance of Esther's role in saving the Jewish people. By instructing Esther to begin ploughing, Mordechai is emphasizing the need for her to take action and to demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish people.

Q: Why is the instruction to plough so mysterious?

A: The instruction to plough is mysterious because it seems out of place in the context of the story. The Jewish people are on the brink of being slaughtered, and yet Mordechai's words seem to be more focused on agricultural activities than the impending doom that looms over them. This has led to various interpretations and speculations about the meaning of the instruction.

Q: What can we learn from Mordechai's instruction to plough?

A: We can learn several things from Mordechai's instruction to plough. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of taking action in times of crisis. By instructing Esther to take action, Mordechai is demonstrating the need for her to be proactive and to take the initiative in saving the Jewish people. Secondly, it highlights the significance of agriculture in Jewish tradition. In the Torah, agriculture is seen as a way of demonstrating one's connection to the land and to the Jewish people. Finally, it emphasizes the role of women in Jewish tradition. Esther, as a woman, is being instructed by Mordechai to take action and to demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish people.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Mordechai's instruction to plough to our own lives?

A: We can apply the lessons of Mordechai's instruction to plough to our own lives by taking action in times of crisis and by demonstrating our commitment to the values and principles that are dear to us. We can also learn from the significance of agriculture in Jewish tradition and the role of women in Jewish tradition. By doing so, we can deepen our understanding of the story of Esther and the importance of her role in saving the Jewish people.

Q: What is the final message of Mordechai's instruction to plough?

A: The final message of Mordechai's instruction to plough is that taking action and demonstrating our commitment to the values and principles that are dear to us is essential in times of crisis. By instructing Esther to begin ploughing, Mordechai is emphasizing the need for her to take action and to demonstrate her commitment to the Jewish people. This message is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Esther, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of taking action and demonstrating our commitment to the values and principles that are dear to us.