The foolish refusal of Queen Vashti to honor her husband's request to come into his presence (drawing a striking parallel with the refusal of physical Israel to honor its covenant with God) makes a striking contrast to Esther's faithfulness to her responsibilities (analogous to the obedient response of Christ's affianced bride) meticulously preparing for her purification. The purifying oil used by Esther is analogized to God's Holy Spirit, applied continuously to God's called out ones, beginning a lifetime process of purifying and overcoming, preparing to become the bride of Christ.