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;)
Esther 2:12 · King James Version
Meaning
During the time of King Ahasuerus, when each maiden was summoned to go to the king, she had to undergo a year-long preparation process according to the customs of the women. This process involved six months using oil of myrrh and another six months using sweet odors and various purifying treatments. This meticulous purification ritual was crucial to ensure that the maidens were physically and emotionally ready to meet the king. The use of myrrh and sweet odors symbolized luxury and beauty, enhancing the maidens' appearance for their encounter with the king. The twelve months of preparation also served as a period of anticipation and excitement for the maidens, as they awaited their turn to meet the king. This verse highlights the importance of ceremony, beauty, and tradition in the royal court, setting the stage for the events that would unfold in the story of Esther.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the significance of purification in the Biblical context. In this verse, we see that the maidens who desired to go in to King Ahasuerus had to undergo a rigorous twelve-month purification process. This process included six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet odors. This focus on purification before entering the presence of the king reflects a theme of holiness and cleanliness found throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, ritual purity was often required before approaching God or entering sacred spaces. This emphasis on purity highlights the idea that God desires His people to come before Him with clean hearts and hands. It also serves as a reminder that true intimacy with God requires a willingness to undergo a purification process, cleansing us from sin and preparing us to enter His presence.
Esther 2:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
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),
World English Bible
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women).
Douay-Rheims
Now when every virgin's turn came to go in to the king, after all had been done for setting them off to advantage, it was the twelfth month: so that for six months they were anointed with oil of myrrh, and for other six months they used certain perfumes and sweet spices.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the course of euery mayd came, to go in to King Ahashuerosh, after that she had bene twelue moneths according to the maner of the women (for so were the dayes of their purifications accomplished, sixe moneths with oyle of myrrhe, and sixe moneths with sweete odours and in the purifying of the women: