Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women—for the days of their beauty treatment were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with balsam oil and the cosmetics for women—Esther 2:12 New American Standard
Are there spiritual beauty preparations? How do you become ravishing in the eyes of your Bridegroom King? The Bible tells us specifically in the book of Esther.
I became intrigued about these questions when my pastor talked about the Beauty of Jesus. When we are saved, God places His beauty inside of us. He cleanses all the junk from our lives and gives us His Spirit. That begins our beautification process as we are continually shaped to look like Jesus, from glory to glory. This is also called the sanctification process.
I love the more poetic framing of “the beautification process.” It made me think of Queen Esther. I wondered if her “beauty preparations” to meet her bridegroom king suggested spiritual beauty preparations. They do!
Let’s look at the symbols in the verse above. Oil of myrrh was used for anointing the prophets. It symbolized a sacred anointing unto death. In other words, the prophet was fully committed to following God, even unto death. It also symbolized God’s blessing and favor.
Balsam oil symbolizes trade, healing and divine grace. In ancient Israel, Gilead produced the majority of the supply. The balm of Gilead that heals the sin-sick soul is balsam oil. The picture here is of divine healing and comfort.
Six months also has a spiritual significance. The sixth month on the Hebrew calendar, known as Elul, is a time of reflection and preparation especially leading up to the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is a month of introspection, repentance and spiritual preparation.
Preparations for the new year involved making amends with God and others so as to enter the new year with a clean slate. In addition, you renewed your commitment to God and His ways.
Our spiritual beauty preparations are a process of purification and healing. We cleanse ourselves with the sacred anointing of myrrh by repentance. With that clean slate, we renew our commitment to follow our Bridegroom King. A heart that hungers after Him is ravishing to the King.
Next, we apply the balsam oil for healing the wounds sin has inflicted on our souls. Internal wounds often take longer to heal than external wounds. As we rest in His divine grace, we find restoration and peace.
Our spiritual beauty preparations are a biblical call to holiness and readiness for the coming of our Bridegroom King. Are we ready?