After everything settled from the chaos, King Xerxes thought about the decree he'd made and Vashti. His attendants suggested that they search the empire to find beautiful virgins for the king. Agents were to be appointed in every province to bring the women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa. The women would be given beauty treatments before going before the king. Hegai was to see to this since he was the eunuch in charge of the harem. The woman who pleased the king the most would become queen. King Xerxes liked the plan, and it was put into effect. Esther 2:1-4 So it was the first beauty pageant so to speak.
In the fortress of Susa was a Jewish man named Mordecai. His family was from the tribe of Benjamin who had been among those exiled by King Nebuchadnezzar. Mordecai had a cousin named Esther who he was raising after her parents died. Esther's real name is Hadassah and was very beautiful. She too was one of many women who was brought to the king's harem and placed in Hegai's care. Esther had such favor with Hegai that he put together a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. She was also assigned 7 maids specifically chosen from the king's palace and moved to the best place in the harem. Esther 2:5-9 When God's hand of favor is on a person, He will do the impossible on their behalf. In addition, when one has a beautiful heart and soul, this will draw people to them.
Nobody knew of Esther's nationality and family background because Mordecai had told her stay silent. He checked on her every day to see what was going on with her. Esther 2:10-11 Sometimes you must be silent about certain things for a time. That can get frustrating. Especially when a person KNOWS their voice needs to be heard, the truth needs to be told. Rest assured that the truth will find its way out regardless, sometimes going public too soon can be detrimental.
Before the ladies were brought before the king, they had a year's worth of beauty treatments...6 months with myrrh oil and 6 months with special perfumes and ointments. When it was time to go to the palace, the ladies were given their choice of clothing and jewelry. Esther 2:12-13
One can only imagine how beautiful these women looked and smelled after this kind of treatment. But to go before the king, they had to be prepared. Just like we must undergo special treatments in our soul to prepare to go before the ultimate King. Jesus. We must be made beautiful in our souls before we are presented to God.
