The Esther narrative holds significant importance and Queen Esther remains a central figure in the Old Testament scriptures. Scripture doesn’t shy away from describing her beauty, however, the actual specifics of her appearance are frequently a topic of discussion. Let’s explore potential depictions of what Queen Esther possibly resembled.
Who Was Queen Esther of the Bible?
Queen Esther, a pivotal figure of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, is renowned for her astounding beauty and unmatched bravery. However, her humble origins rooted in the Jewish diaspora of ancient Persia paint a multifaceted picture of this intriguing woman.
Esther, initially known as Hadassah, was a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents’ untimely death. Her life took a drastic turn when she was chosen by King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, to become his queen, replacing the disobedient Queen Vashti (he wouldn’t have used a Christian dating app – though it would have saved his servants some time). Yet, this was not a mere Cinderella tale of an ordinary girl rising to unexpected royalty. Esther’s ascent to the throne was imbued with courage and strategic maneuvering.
As Queen, Esther used her influential position to save her people from a deadly plot orchestrated by the king’s advisor, Haman. She risked her own life by revealing her Jewish identity to the king, thus creating a profound turning point in Jewish history. The annual celebration of Purim commemorates Esther’s heroic feat, turning her story into a timeless parable of faith, courage, and the triumph of good over evil.
What Might Queen Esther Have Looked Like?
Though the author of Esther is unknown, the Bible paints an enchanting picture of Esther’s beauty, yet it is less forthcoming about her exact physical attributes. We know that Esther was of Jewish lineage, born and raised in Persia. Her genetic heritage and the geographical and historical context can provide insights into what she might have looked like.
It is likely that Esther had the dark hair common among people of Jewish and Persian ancestry, possibly even adorned with streaks of henna as was customary in that era. Her eyes, possibly a striking brown or green, would have been accentuated with kohl, a common cosmetic practice enhancing the allure of women’s eyes in the ancient East.
Her skin, likely to be olive-toned due to her Semitic roots, might have carried a sun-kissed glow, courtesy of the bright Persian sun. Given the average height of women in that era, it is probable that Esther was shorter than the average woman today, possibly around 5 feet tall.
It’s also essential to note that Esther’s beauty wasn’t merely physical. The Bible repeatedly highlights her grace and favor in everyone’s eyes, which may refer to her character, intelligence, and charisma as much as her physical beauty. Her attractiveness was undoubtedly a combination of these inner and outer qualities, contributing to her mystique and charm that enchanted King Ahasuerus and ultimately secured the safety of her people.
Remember, though, these are conjectures based on historical and geographical context, as the Bible does not provide a detailed physical description of Queen Esther. Even without explicit details of her appearance, Esther’s story continues to inspire, offering an enduring testament to the strength and courage that lies within each of us, regardless of our exterior appearances. As we imagine Queen Esther’s appearance, let us also reflect upon her character, courage, and faith, attributes that made her truly beautiful.
You may also be interested in what happened to Esther after Xerxes died.
