Esther 2:12

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [to wit], six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with [other] things for the purifying of the women;)

Now when every maid's {H5291} turn {H8447} was come {H5060} to go in {H935} to king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, after {H7093} that she had been twelve {H8147}{H6240} months {H2320}, according to the manner {H1881} of the women {H802},(for so were the days {H3117} of their purifications {H4795} accomplished {H4390}, to wit, six {H8337} months {H2320} with oil {H8081} of myrrh {H4753}, and six {H8337} months {H2320} with sweet odours {H1314}, and with other things for the purifying {H8562} of the women {H802};)

Each girl had her turn to appear before King Achashverosh after she had undergone the full twelve-month preparation period prescribed for the women, consisting of a six-month treatment with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and other cosmetics for women.

In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months.

Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with the things for the purifying of the women),

Commentary

Esther 2:12 provides a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous and prolonged beautification process required for the young women gathered in Susa as potential candidates for Queen Ahasuerus's throne. This verse details the year-long regimen each maiden underwent, highlighting the opulence and strict customs of the Persian court.

Context

This verse is set after King Ahasuerus, ruler of the vast Persian Empire, dismissed Queen Vashti (Esther 1:19). A decree was issued to gather all beautiful virgins from across the kingdom to the citadel of Susa, where they would be placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the women (Esther 2:3). Esther 2:12 describes the precise, twelve-month purification period that was mandatory for every woman before she was presented to the king, ensuring she was in peak condition according to royal standards.

Key Themes

  • Extensive Preparation: The twelve-month period underscores the extreme importance and meticulousness of preparing for the king's presence. It was not merely a cosmetic routine but a comprehensive process of physical transformation and likely an introduction to court etiquette.
  • Royal Authority and Luxury: The specific mention of "oil of myrrh" and "sweet odours" reflects the immense wealth and absolute power of King Ahasuerus, who could command such an elaborate and costly beautification process for hundreds of women.
  • Patience and Endurance: For the women, this lengthy period would have tested their patience and required submission to a demanding system, with the ultimate prize being the position of queen.
  • Divine Providence (Implied): While the verse focuses on human customs, this seemingly secular process was precisely the pathway through which God elevated Esther to her pivotal role, demonstrating how divine plans can unfold even within human systems (Esther 4:14).

Linguistic Insights

The term "purifications" in the KJV text translates the Hebrew word tamruqim, which refers broadly to cosmetics, ointments, and beautifying treatments. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the regimen. The "oil of myrrh" (Hebrew: shemen ha-mor) was a highly valued aromatic resin known for its strong, pleasant scent, as well as its antiseptic and skin-softening properties. "Sweet odours" (Hebrew: besamim) encompasses various aromatic spices and perfumes, indicating a focus on making the women exquisitely fragrant and appealing for the king.

Practical Application

While the specific context of Esther 2:12 is unique to ancient Persian royalty, the underlying principle of preparation holds timeless relevance. It illustrates that significant opportunities or roles often demand dedicated periods of development, refinement, and learning. Spiritually, this can be likened to the believer's journey of sanctification—a continuous process of being set apart and made ready for God's purposes. Just as the maidens underwent external purification, believers are called to pursue internal purity and transformation, becoming more like Christ (Romans 12:2), preparing for their ultimate union with Him, often described as the Bride of Christ making herself ready.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:4

    That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:5

    Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

  • Isaiah 57:9

    And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase [thyself even] unto hell.

  • Proverbs 7:17

    I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:6

    ¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

  • Luke 7:37

    And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

  • Luke 7:38

    And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.
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