This verse from Esther 2:12 describes the extensive beauty regimen each young woman underwent before being presented to King Ahasuerus. Let's break it down:
"Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus...": This means each woman was given an opportunity to become queen and she would have the chance to meet the king.
"...after her purification for twelve months...": Before meeting the king, each woman was put through a year-long process of purification. This wasn't just about physical cleansing; it likely had ritualistic and symbolic elements related to preparing them for royalty.
"(for so were the days of their purification accomplished...": This clarifies that the twelve-month period was the standard duration for their purification process.
"...six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women)": This details the specific treatments used during the purification period.
"oil of myrrh": Myrrh was a precious, aromatic resin with cleansing and perfuming properties. It was likely used to soften the skin and imbue it with a pleasant scent.
"sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women": This indicates a more general use of perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics intended to enhance the women's beauty.
In essence, this verse illustrates the importance placed on physical beauty and preparation in the selection of a new queen. The long purification process highlights the value the King and his court placed on appearances and also emphasizes the high stakes for these women, whose futures depended on pleasing the King.
This verse from Esther 2:12 describes the extensive beauty regimen each young woman underwent before being presented to King Ahasuerus. Let's break it down:
"Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus...": This means each woman was given an opportunity to become queen and she would have the chance to meet the king.
"...after her purification for twelve months...": Before meeting the king, each woman was put through a year-long process of purification. This wasn't just about physical cleansing; it likely had ritualistic and symbolic elements related to preparing them for royalty.
"(for so were the days of their purification accomplished...": This clarifies that the twelve-month period was the standard duration for their purification process.
"...six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women)": This details the specific treatments used during the purification period.
"oil of myrrh": Myrrh was a precious, aromatic resin with cleansing and perfuming properties. It was likely used to soften the skin and imbue it with a pleasant scent.
"sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women": This indicates a more general use of perfumes, lotions, and cosmetics intended to enhance the women's beauty.
In essence, this verse illustrates the importance placed on physical beauty and preparation in the selection of a new queen. The long purification process highlights the value the King and his court placed on appearances and also emphasizes the high stakes for these women, whose futures depended on pleasing the King.