Esther 2:12 - Exposition

After she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women. Rather, "After she had been (in the palace), according to the law prescribed to the women, twelve months." A year's purification was considered necessary before any maiden could approach the king (see the comment on Esther 2:3 ). Six months with oil of myrrh . Myrrh was highly esteemed, both for its scent and for its purifying power, by the ancients. In Egypt it was employed largely in the preparation of mummies (Herod; 2.86). The Jews were directed to make it one of the chief ingredients in their "holy anointing oil" ( Exodus 30:23-25 ). Dresses and beds were scented with it ( Psalms 45:8 ; Proverbs 7:17 ). And six months with sweet odours . The word translated "sweet odours" seems to mean "spices" generally (comp. So Esther 4:16 ).