Steak-less

Esther now found herself as part of a harem. All around her were girls much like herself. They had been brought in from their servitude for one of a different  kind. They were virtual sex slaves, albeit in an opulent form. Yet, slavery is slavery. They had but one value to the king. They were each a prize secured by the wealth and power of a monarch. They made him look good. This was not just the pastime of pagan kings. King Solomon, whom the Scriptures described as the one of the wisest persons ever to live may have set the record. The Book of Kings tell us that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. No wonder he was so wise.

In the midst of all these attractive women Esther stood out: Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem.She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem. Esther 2:8,9 It was game on. Esther, the slave, was in the running to become royalty – much as Moses was elevated to the Pharaoh’s court. And, in being so chosen, she literally received the “royal treatment.”

Persian Kings liked their ladies healthy and well marinated. We know a bit about the spa treatment and diet. Reading further we see this: “Before she could go into the king she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments, prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics.” Esther 2:12.

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The word in the Hebrew language for beauty treatments is literally translated as “scour and polish.” For 365 days Esther’s entire body would be exfoliated and then lathered in essential oils. She would have fit right in with today’s upscale spas. During this time she would also consume a mostly herbal and vegetarian diet fit for a queen. The Persians thought that eating a lot of red meat and fats would make a person selfish and cause them to think evil thoughts. They believed  that fruits, vegetables, fish, fowl and rose petals made for gentle and noble beings. I don’t know about all that.* (See note)

So, thus began Esther’s year of a different type of servitude. She was being pampered and groomed to become a queen. Along with the spa treatment she was being instructed in the ways of court protocol and most probably on the likes and dislikes of the king. But in the background stood her cousin Mordecai – her adopted dad. He would always be there to remind her not only of where she came from but what to do once she became Queen Esther.

*Note: I’ve know some lovely people who like to sink their teeth into a good steak. I’ve also known my fair share of cranky vegetarians. I’ve always assumed the latter were vexed because they were coveting my steak. It might go a long way in explaining why there is so much mischief in the Mideast. Perhaps a bit of filet mignon diplomacy would calm things down.