What does Esther 2:12 mean?
"¶ 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
Esther 2:12 (KJV) states, "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;)" This verse comes from the book of Esther, which is set in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I. The verse is part of the story of how Esther, a Jewish orphan, became the queen of Persia.
The verse speaks to the process and ritual of preparing the maidens to meet King Ahasuerus. It describes the strict purification process that the women had to undergo for a year before they could be presented to the king. This process involved using oil of myrrh, sweet odors, and other purifying rituals. In the context of the story, this verse highlights the opulence and extravagance of the Persian court, as well as the stringent customs and protocols that governed the lives of the royal household.
One of the key themes in this verse is the idea of ritual and purification. In ancient Persia, and indeed in many cultures, purification rituals were an important part of religious and royal practices. These rituals were meant to cleanse the body and soul, preparing individuals for sacred or important events. In the context of the story of Esther, this verse emphasizes the extent to which the maidens were prepared and groomed before meeting the king, highlighting the significance of their role in the court.
Another theme that can be explored in this verse is the idea of beauty and femininity. The verse describes the use of sweet odors and other things for the purifying of the women, suggesting that the maidens were being prepared to be physically attractive and appealing to the king. This reflects the role of women in ancient societies, where their beauty and charm were often valued as important assets. In the context of the story of Esther, this theme is significant, as it speaks to the power dynamics and expectations surrounding gender roles in the royal court.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse, particularly in the use of oil of myrrh and sweet odors. In ancient times, myrrh was a valuable substance often associated with purification and sanctification. It was used in religious ceremonies and was also considered to have healing properties. Sweet odors, on the other hand, were often used to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. In the context of this verse, these substances symbolize the efforts made to create an ideal and alluring environment for the maidens and the king, underscoring the importance of appearances and sensory experiences in the royal court.
In conclusion, Esther 2:12 (KJV) provides insight into the customs and rituals of the Persian court, as well as the expectations placed on the women in the story. It sheds light on the themes of ritual, purification, beauty, and gender roles, and offers symbolism through the use of oil of myrrh and sweet odors. This verse serves as a window into the opulent and carefully orchestrated world of the Persian Empire and provides valuable context for understanding the story of Esther and her extraordinary rise to power.
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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 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
Esther 4:12 - "And they told to Mordecai Esther's words."
Esther 2:22 - "And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name."
Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."
"And they told to Mordecai Esther's words." - Esther 4:12
Esther 2:20 - "Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him."
Esther 7:2 - "And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom."
Esther 5:2
Esther 5:12 - "Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king."
Esther 5:2
Esther 5:2
Esther 2:11 - "And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."
Esther 2:10 - "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."
Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."
"And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name." - Esther 2:22
Esther 2:16 - "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."
Esther 8:2 - "And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."
Esther 8:2 focus on the ring
Esther 6:12 - "¶ And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered."
Esther 2:15 - "¶ Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her."
Esther 9:12 - "¶ And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done."
Esther 2:2 - "Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:"
Esther 8:12 - "Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar."
Esther 1:12 - "But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him."
Esther 2:17 - "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
Esther 2:7 - "And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter."
"And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." - Esther 5:2
Esther 2:8 - "¶ So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women."
Esther 2:19 - "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate."