11 Every day Mordecai took a walk in front of the harem’s courtyard to learn how Esther was doing and to see what was happening to her.

12 During the year before each young woman’s turn to go to King Ahasuerus, the harem regulation required her to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. 13 When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the palace.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, black
CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $20.99
Save: $14.00 (40%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, hardcover
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, hardcover
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $28.99
Save: $21.00 (42%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $56.00 (70%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Pocket New Testament with Psalms, Navy Paperback
CSB Pocket New Testament with Psalms, Navy Paperback
Retail: $2.99
Our Price: $2.49
Save: $0.50 (17%)