Antes de ser llevadas a la presencia del rey, cada muchacha debía recibir seis meses de tratamiento de belleza con aceite de mirra, seguido por otros seis meses de tratamiento con perfumes y cosméticos femeninos. Cuando a una muchacha le tocaba ir a pasar la noche con el rey Asuero, se le daban a elegir los vestidos y joyas que deseara, para realzar su belleza. La llevaban entonces a los aposentos del rey en la tarde y a la mañana siguiente regresaba a una segunda casa, donde vivían las concubinas del rey. Allí quedaba por el resto de su vida al cuidado de Sasgaz, que era otro de los hombres de confianza del rey. Tan sólo podía regresar al palacio si el rey la deseaba y la mandaba a llamar.
¿Qué significa esto?
This verse describes the process for the women who were to meet King Ahasuerus. Each woman went through a year of special preparations, including cleansing and beautifying rituals, before her turn to spend time with the king.
Explicado para niños
Imagine preparing for a big day by taking baths with special soap and putting on nice perfumes. The women in this story had a whole year to do that before they got to meet the king. It was like getting ready for a super special party!
Contexto histórico
The book of Esther was likely written in the 5th century BCE, during the time of the Persian Empire. It was written to recount the events leading to the Jewish holiday of Purim and was meant for the Jewish community to remember and celebrate their deliverance from danger.
Aplicación para hoy
Today, we can think about this verse when preparing for important events or meetings. Just like the women in the story prepared themselves carefully, we too can take time to prepare mentally and spiritually for significant moments in our lives.
Temas
purificationpreparationroyaltyJewish historywomen in the Biblecultural traditions
Why did the women need to go through a year of purification?
The purification process was seen as important to prepare the women physically and ceremonially for their time with the king, ensuring they were ready in every way.
What kind of things were done during the purification process?
The process included using oil of myrrh and sweet odours, as well as other unspecified rituals aimed at cleansing and beautifying the women.
How does this relate to today?
Today, we can see this as a reminder to prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally for important events and meetings, much like the women in the story prepared themselves.
What is the significance of the number 12 in this verse?
The number 12 may symbolize completeness or a full cycle, indicating that the women were thoroughly prepared before their turn to meet the king.