Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning myrtle, had a humble birth name but a powerful destiny.
Today, God is highlighting the gifts and calling He has placed within each of us from birth.
Even those that seem hidden, humble, or small!
Perhaps there is a gift you carry—something you are passionate about. Others may have overlooked it, but it remains a unique part of who you are.
And precious to Him.
God wants you to know it is part of the treasure you carry in this season.
“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b, NKJV)
When God Highlights What Seems Small
For years, I never stopped to consider Esther’s Hebrew name.
Hadassah just seemed ordinary—simple, even nondescript.
But one night, the Lord brought it into sharp focus.
That night, I was working hard to complete a blog post. [1]
And the Holy Spirit told me to change my course highlight.
The worship ministry was a significant part of my life for 30 years, but it’s no longer what I’m known for.
That night, the Spirit said, “It is part of the abundance you carry.”
But I wrestled with it, thinking, “My audience doesn’t relate to me in the worship ministry!”
A Crown of Myrtle
Later that night, I had a vivid encounter with the Lord. [2]
Jesus came to me and placed a crown of foliage on my head.
I had always imagined a spiritual crown with gold and jewels.
But this felt light and joyful.
I asked, “Lord, what is this?”
And He said, “This is Myrtle.”
It was a wonderful gift. It felt personal, and it made me happy.
I realized I wanted that humble crown more than one made of gold, silver, or precious jewels.
Later, I remembered: Esther’s Jewish name, her birth name, was Hadassah—Myrtle. [3]
The one who bore that humble name was chosen to fulfill a destiny that changed history.
Her Persian name was Esther, meaning “star”. [4]
The Prophetic Meaning of Myrtle in the Bible
That moment set me on a journey of discovering the symbolic meaning of the myrtle tree [5]—and with it, the significance of Esther’s Hebrew name, Hadassah.
I believe this holds significance for all of us right now.
1. Peace and Prosperity
The myrtle tree is a symbol of peace and prosperity in the Bible. [6]
“Instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree” (Isaiah 55:13 NKJV).
Where there were thorns and barrenness, God promises fruitfulness and flourishing.
2. Redemption Through Christ
This leads us to redemption—I noticed the thorns are contrasted with myrtle (Isaiah 55:13).
“The soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head” (John 19:2 NLT).
Through Jesus’ suffering, He turned our shame into glory, and our “thorns” into a crown of beauty.
3. Restoration and Rebuilding
Zechariah’s visions began “among the myrtle trees” (Zechariah 1:11).
From there, God promised:
“I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house shall be built” (Zechariah 1:16 NKJV).
The myrtle points to God’s promise of restoration, rebuilding, and renewal.
4. Hope in the Valleys
Zechariah saw the myrtle growing in the ravines and shaded valleys.
Even in the low, hidden places, God reveals His presence and comfort.
“My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion” (Zechariah 1:17 NKJV).
He meets us in the valleys with hope and encouragement.
5. Identity and Calling
The myrtle is a relatively small tree, especially compared with the cedars!
It represents God’s people—humble yet chosen.
Just as Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah (Myrtle), was called “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
God chooses the yielded, those small in the world’s eyes, the fragrant ones, to bring about His purposes.
6. Dwelling in God’s Presence
Myrtle branches were used during the Feast of Tabernacles to build booths (Nehemiah 8:15). [7]
It strikes me that their humble height meant they were within reach—accessible to all!
This feast celebrated God’s faithfulness and presence.
The myrtle points to His invitation to dwell with Him in joy and worship.
7. Regeneration and New Life
God promises to plant the myrtle as a sign of His creative power:
“I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the myrtle and the oil tree… that they may see and know… the hand of the LORD has done this.” (Isaiah 41:19–20 NKJV).
Here, the myrtle speaks of God bringing life, fruitfulness, and glory even in barren places.
God’s Invitation Through the Myrtle
This is the message of Hadassah (Esther) and the myrtle:
God crowns the humble, lifts the lowly, and uses them to display His glory.
Hannah once declared:
“He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the beggar from the ash heap,
To set them among princes
And make them inherit the throne of glory.”
(1 Samuel 2:8, NKJV)
So, if you’ve ever questioned the value of what you bring to the table—
Those gifts and passions are not small. They are part of the “abundance you carry”.
And He wants you to know your worship is fragrant to Him.
The Myrtle Crown: A Sign of Victory
When the Lord placed a crown of Myrtle on my head in that vision, it wasn’t only a symbol of humility—it was also a prophetic sign of victory.
When Esther’s true identity as Hadassah was revealed, she had victory over the enemy of her people (Esther 2:10, Esther 7).
In the New Testament, Paul described crowns of foliage—wreaths awarded to athletes who had run and won their race.
“They do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25, NKJV).
You have a unique race, one he has laid out for you.
And victory is your inheritance.
Your Offering is Fragrant
Today, the Lord is placing His crown of myrtle upon you.
It is a crown of humility and beauty.
He wants you to know your offering is fragrant to Him.
And that you can walk confidently, knowing you are chosen and anointed “for such a time as this”.
Notes:
- [1] Victory: 5 Powerful Insights From the Red Sea Crossing. My prophetic worship course can be found here.
- [2] When I share a vision, it’s typically a vivid impression in my mind’s eye, accompanied by a strong sense of God’s presence. It’s not an open (physical) vision. All prophetic insights should align with Scripture and be prayerfully weighed—see 8 Ways to Grow in Prophetic Visions and Pictures.
- [3] Hadassah, Strong’s H1919 (feminine form of the word for myrtle). Esther’s Jewish identity was hidden until a pivotal moment, so her Hebrew name would likely have been unknown to the Persian court.
- [4] Strong’s H635, a name of Persian origin, meaning “star”.
- [5] See Strong’s H1918 for the concordance and links to all scripture references for the myrtle here.
- [6] Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary 1987, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- [7] See Bible Portal Wiki here for other Bible dictionary references
Related Posts:
- Esther’s Decree: 3 Powerful Keys to Release Your Roar
Leave a Comment:
I’d love to hear from you! Which of these insights about the meaning of myrtle speaks to you the most? It’s number 5, identity, and calling that speak most to me. Let me know in the blog comments below.
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Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
A few months ago I was spending time with the Lord in worship. I then heard and felt someone come close to my face and whispered “Hadassah”. I was surprised but I knew it was the Holy Spirit. I researched the name and learnt that it meant myrtle and that tree has the sweetest fragrance when in bloom. I was so happy that he was pleased with my worship and I believe he gave me a new name too
That is so precious, Kellee. I’m very encouraged to hear that!
This is wonderful Revelation of the meaning of names. The significance through the hebrew meaning. Parents verbally gave the name ,but first it came from God. I found out years ago my name in Hebrew was Yochanan meaning Gods Gracious gift. There is so much in Gods word such depth we are still finding . This is my first time here. Thank you Helen.
That is a wonderful observation, Jean, and so true!
And welcome to Enliven Blog :-) ~ Helen
Good Morning Helen,
This morning (28/8) reading your blog on Hadassah- meaning Myrtle, I found it so enlightening and interesting to read the significance of the Myrtle meaning Peace and Prosperity and Restoration, Rebuilding and Renewal.
I particularly loved reading the Myrtle grows in ravines and shaded valleys. The low hidden places, God reveals His presence and comfort. He meets us in the valleys with hope and encouragement. I have had a number of valleys this year and He has met me with hope and encouragement.
Thank you Helen this message about the Myrtle and Hadassah and such a time as this has really blessed me. Thank you Wendy
Hi Wendy, the “ravines and shaded valleys” is where the myrtle appears in Zechariah 1:8, from which the whole book flows and it did strike me that the messages of hope, peace and prosperity come from there! So, I don’t know whether it’s the usual location for myrtles, or expressly stated here for prophetic purposes. But it is SO encouraging, isn’t it!
I have my Esther. My wife of nearly 59 years, Linda. 10 months ago seated in our living room the Holy spirit said “I have a perfect house for Linda”. I told her the spirit said “He has a perfect house for Linda.” “Evidently we are moving, I do not know where and do not know when. I seems we are moving.” My only instruction was “Be quiet and help Linda.”
November passed, January came and Linda felt it was time to put the house up for sale, though we had no idea of where, when we would move. February came and a phone call at 7pm, “We may have a solid offer”, said our agent. 2 hours 10 minutes later we had signed papers and a request to close and be clear in 20 days.
Then 1800 miles away our daughter knew a realtor, and a house met my wife’s desires, smaller, less yard to care for, 55+ park, quiet. 2 bedrooms.
Imagine 2 bedroom with an extra room labeled office. “George it even has an office for you.”
God’s order to me as the story began, “be quiet…” and what a struggle for the man of the house to stand aside and having to trust all about to happen with my hands off completely except to serve.
He gave my wife her desires, room for her music and crafts, and there an office, secret place to pray for me as well.
God has his sense of humor in this.. the name of the town is Surprise, and the neighborhood is Rose Garden.
When you see no way remember, and God tells you shut up and be the servant… God designed the path to the end from the beginning. He heard her prayer the minute she asked. He told me nothing but take care of her and be quiet. The new assignment I was so desiring, no mention.
By His blessing to my Esther, the quiet one; I am seated a my desk in my secret place, that special place to do the work called pray. And my Esther is living in the blessing she had prayed for, and a quiet place more tuned for her quiet gifting.
To God be the glory Great things he loves to do! Amen
Grazie Helen
Per questo messaggio fresco e unto dallo spirito
In questo ultimo periodo
Abbiamo attraversato io e la mia famiglia situazioni
Difficili proprio nella nostra casa mi sentivo scarico senza forze per la battaglia che affrontavo
Trasportati in un momento di transizione in una casa
Nuova con la malattia di mamma E la mia famiglia in difficoltà di ambientamento
Mi sono rivisto nella parole
“E se questo e avvenuto per questo tempo per un piano di Dio ”
E sapere che Ester
Viveva la stessa situazione
Per il suo popolo
Mi sono ritrovato nella corona del mirto
Nella chiamata di Ester nel Suo nome
A continuare a confidare nell Signore con umiltà nella pace sua profonda per
Affrontare tutto con questa rivelazione meravigliosa
Grazie Helen Dio te lo renda grandemente in benedizione
Hello Salvatore, I am sorry to hear of your mother’s illness and the difficulties your family have been experiencing. May God’s grace overflow into your circumstances and family.
And may Isaiah 61:1-3 be your portion, especially verse 3, the oil of His joy.
I am blessed by your testimony. Thank you George for sharing, this is a reminder to totally trust God and He will surely come through for me.
God bless
Apologies for the typo error “??”
Oh, sorry about that little glitch Deborah,
The WordPress doesn’t understand emojis yet, it translates them as questions marks. I wish they’d update the software.
But I can do a smiley face :-)
I agree – such an encouraging testimony from George – for all of us
Hi Helen, May God bless you for the post about the meaning of the name Esther – Hadassah, I actually thought that you did the post for me personally because my name is Esther and this morning I was praying and asking God to restore my gift and calling, after prayer I opened my email and read your post. It was no coincidence. God has used you to confirm my restoration. I am so grateful to God and you Helen for allowing God to use you.
How wonderful, Esther. Amen to that – God is with you and for you. You are His treasure and delight.
This is such a beautiful testimony George, a God-blessed and ordained pathway for you both to your new home.
And to hear of your office space, gold!
He is so faithful – blessings to you both and thank You Jesus
Thank you Helen for explaining the meaning of Hadassah.
I was aware that it meant Myrtle but hadn’t thought much about that.
All year I have been aware of being alive for such a time as this.
God has recently told me via two non-related ministries that He is restoring lost hope in my life.
Your message has confirmed this to me…….that He is in the restoration business, that He gives beauty for ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning.
Thank you so much Helen and may God continue to bless you, your ministry and family.
Thank you, Helen, for your timely message and words in due season.
Today, I received this truth in my spirit! The Lord is placing His crown of myrtle upon me—a crown of humility and beauty.
He wants me to know that my offering is fragrant to Him, and that I can walk boldly, knowing I am chosen and anointed for such a time as this.
I have adapted this word and declared it over myself with faith and conviction.
May the Lord continue to strengthen you and increase you in wisdom. In Jesus Name Amen.
amen, amen! And thank you Deborah
Thank you Heather,
Yes, He is in the restoration business!
May you know the lavish touches of His grace.
May you have new hope, and fresh fire in Jesus’ Name.
God Bless You Helen,
I was very blessed by reading your blog today on the meaning of Esther/Hadassah, and the significance of Myrtle as well.
I am in a season on my job where I often question why I am here and what do I bring to the table. I supervise five Managers and their teams. Each team does very different types of work. I also work with my peers who supervise other Managers and teams. My job is
somewhat rewarding as I feel that God allows me to be useful in some ways to the Managers I supervise. But there are other focuses in my workplace (i.e. IT, AI, data, etc.), that are highly valued. Although I am growing in my knowledge and use of these, my gift is strongest in other areas such as relationship building, managing people/behaviors, and handling multiple tasks in varying areas. The other areas (IT, data, etc.), are discussed so much at my job and my peers seem to shine in these areas, so this makes me question if what I bring to the table is significant and useful. My supervisors tell me that my talents are needed, but the job does not seem to focus on these things.
So, it greatly encouraged and resonated with me when you stated those exact words about what gift we carry and what we bring to the table.
I will hold onto this encouragement and even as I pursue knowledge and grow in the areas that my company heavily focuses on, Ill also remember that God is highlighting my gifts that seem small, and what I bring to the table now is valuable.
Thank you again and continued blessings.
Iko
Please also pray for me in the area of finances, that God will send increase to handle inflation.
Thank you again,
Iko