Aloes are usually mentioned as one of the oils used in the bible. But does the Bible pertains to aloe oil? In this post, we’ll look at the different verses in the scripture that talk about aloes, to understand what the bible tells us about aloes.

1. Aloes the Tree

Some confuse aloes as aloe vera or aloe Vulgaris which is a small plant that does not grow high as the trees. When the bible mentioned aloes in the book of Numbers it talks about trees, not small plants. Notice that it did not say here the word oil as well.

“As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.” – Numbers 24:6

“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:” – Song of Solomon 4:14

The aloe tree (Agallochon, Aquilaria agallocha, or Eagle-wood) as described by Dioscorides is native to the countries India and Arabia. In his book, he filed it under fragrant resinous heartwood. Easton bible dictionary also described it as a fragrant wood, hence its gum or perfume is extracted from the wood.

2. Myrrh always comes with Aloes

Notice the following verses below:

“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:” – Song of Solomon 4:14

“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” – Psalms 45:8

“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” – Proverbs 7:17

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred-pound weight.” – John 19:39

When aloe is mentioned as a perfume, it always comes with myrrh. In some verses, the plants like frankincense, cassia, and cinnamon are mentioned but they are only cited in some verses and not in all. Whereas with myrrh, you can consistently find it in all of the verses and it is the word that comes before the word aloes.

3. Aloe is used to keep people and things fragrant

In the book of John, it was mentioned that Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, and wrapped the body of Jesus with linen clothes and spice. Hence we can conclude that aloe is used for embalming the body while keeping it with a good-smelling scent.

In the book of Proverbs, it was used as a bed perfume (Proverbs 7:17)

In the book of Psalms, it was the smell of the garment of an anointed person. (Proverbs 7:17)

Dioscorides, a Cilician Greek physician (40 CE – 90 CE) in the time of the Roman empire period described it to have a sweet scent and can be used instead of frankincense. Because of its odor, the powdered form of it was used as a deodorizer.

4. The oil form of aloe is not mentioned in the Bible

While some literature lists aloes as one of the oils in the bible, ironically, the word aloes oil was never mentioned in the Bible. We can read different verses about aloes, but the word oil never comes before or after it. Hence, we can be certain that aloes was used in those times but it is referring to the plant itself but not as an already processed substance as oil.

5. Aloe as a spice

The author of Songs of Solomon mentioned that the plants in the ‘garden’ of the woman, include aloes with all the chief spices (Song of Solomon 4:14). In the book of John, we can read that Nicodemus brought aloe and myrrh about a hundred-pound weight then wrapped the body of Jesus with linen and spices. It was not mentioned that Nicodemus was bringing other plants. The only plants mentioned were a mixture of myrrh and aloes. Since no verse exactly states that aloe is a spice, it may sound assuming to think that aloe is a spice, however, if you are going to look at different literature that describes the scent category of aloe, or eaglewood you’d find that it is spicy and woody. On the other hand, if we will not consider that aloes is a spice because the bible did not exactly tell us that it is, then we can conclude that aloes usually is mixed with spices.

“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:” – Song of Solomon 4:14

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred-pound weight. “Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” – John 19:39-40

Seek the truth 💋❤

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References:

• TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
• Illustrated Bible dictionary Matthew George Easton via My Bible App

Calamus also known as the sweet flag is one of the plants that has been mentioned in the bible. According to some, its oil is what is being referred to in some verses in the bible hence it is often included it in the list of oils mentioned in the bible in some texts.

In this this post we aim to stick to what’s really written in the bible about calamus

1. In the market

Calamus is one of the mentioned commodity being sold in the market. In different literature we can read that calamus is valued for its medicinal properties, hence even in ancient times, we can read that it’s one of the plants that’s being sold by traders.
“Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.” – Ezekiel 27:19

2. In the “garden”

In the Songs of Solomon, the author talks about the ‘garden’ of his spouse. Her ‘garden’ includes calamus.
Looking at the literal meaning of this verse would make us think that calamus is one of the plants in the garden of the spouse. Hence, we would think that calamus must be valuable for the spouse to include it in her garden. Logically, people only plant the plants they want to be in their garden.

“Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,
Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices” – Song of Solomon 4:13-14

In KJV we would see that the author talks about his appreciation and adoration for his wife, and described her appearance, smell, and her garden. However, the NLT version would give us a figurative meaning of verses 12, 13, 14, and 15.

“You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride, a secluded spring, a hidden fountain.
Your thighs shelter a paradise of pomegranates with rare spices— henna with nard,
nard and saffron, fragrant calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes, and every other lovely spice.
You are a garden fountain, a well of fresh water streaming down from Lebanon’s mountains.” -Song of Songs 4:12-15

In NLT we can see that the groom is talking about his bride’s private garden (verse 12), thighs (verse 13) and mentioned the fragrant calamus (verse 14). The verse mentions about spices and the sweet calamus.

Songs of Solomon is written with deeper meaning. It’s like letters of love. Hence, by looking calamus through the perspective of this book, we can see that calamus can have literal figurative meanings.

3. It is sweet

“Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,” Exodus 30:23

The book of Exodus mentioned sweet calamus hence, we’d know that it is sweet. Easton dictionary stated that it’s called a sweet flag or the Acorus calamus, and a cane with an aromatic smell. Moreover, it stated that it is imported from Arabia Felix, or India. Dioscorides, a Cilician Greek military physician during the Roman Empire period also claimed that Calamus aromaticus grows in India, and is also being used to make the perfume smell sweeter.

Stay sweet 💋❤

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References:

• Illustrated Bible Disctionary Matthew George Easton via my Bible app
• TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
• King James Bible Version

Cassia is one of the aromatic plants mentioned in the Bible. Some claim that when talking about cassia, it refers to its essential oil. However, the different verses in the bible did not exactly state cassia oil but only mentioned the word cassia. Hence it seems that it’s more appropriate to conclude that what is referred in the verses in the Bible is the plant itself.

Cassia was used to make anointing oils

1. Holy anointing oil

In Exodus, we could read that cassia was added to three principal spices and olive oil. The verse did not say cassia oil, but the word oil was mentioned beside the word olive. It’s explained that the primary spices, cassia, and olive oil shall be concocted to become a holy anointing oil. This seems to suggest that the apothecaries will make a cassia-infused oil with the primary spices and use olive oil as the base oil. It seemed rational to think that cassia is not yet in its oil form here but will be processed to become an oil by making an infused oil.

“Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and oil olive in:
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be a holy anointing oil.” – Exodus 30:23-25

2. Oil of gladness

The ingredients used for holy anointing oil are myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, olive oil, and cassia (Exodus 30:23-25). Consistently in the book of Psalms, the aromatic plants mentioned for oils of gladness are cassia and myrrh, and aloes. We could read that the garment of a person anointed smells like myrrh and cassia.

Both the holy anointing oil mentioned in Exodus and the oil of gladness in Psalms used cassia, and both were used for anointing. For these reasons, we can conclude that cassia plant must be valuable as it was used for anointing rituals in the Bible.

“To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever.
Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a right scepter.
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” – Psalms 45:1-2,6-8

We can’t accurately conclude the exact scent of the cassia used in the Bible, since we can’t precisely identify the kind of cassia used for the annointing oils in the Bible. But the writings of Pedianos Dioscorides, or Pedanius Dioscorides, (40CE-90CE) a Cilician Greek military army who lived in Turkey gives us a glimpse of the varieties of cassia that were used in the ancient times. Hence, this might somehow help us to understand about the kind of cassia commonly used in those times. According to Dioscorides there are different varieties of Cassia and he described two kinds of aromatic cassia.

Dioscorides identified the aromatic reddish-yellow cassia to smell like wine and it’s like an astringent with considerable heat. Another variety is the ‘gizir’ or the black kind which he described to smell like a rose and is flexible as it is suitable for bodily use.

Cassia as a trading product

A verse in the book of Ezekiel said that cassia can be found in Tyre markets. It was being traded to different people coming from different places. In the book of Dioscorides, we can also discover that Cassia was not only sold in Tyre but also being sold in shops that sell aromatic things. Dioscorides stated that it was abundant in Arabia.

“Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.
Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.
Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams and goats: in these were they thy merchants.” – Ezekiel 27:18-21

More varieties of cassia

Cassia is considered an aromatic plant, and each of its kind has its own scent description and corresponding therapeutic effect. We can’t be certain as to what kind of cassia was being referred to in the Bible, hence it is best to present the other kinds of cassia as well in this post. The two kinds of cassia with pleasant smells are already described above, hence this section lists the other cassia varieties with different kind of smell.

Dioscorides mentioned bastard cassia, which according to him has a taste that is neither sharp nor aromatic. He also said that it’s hard to describe its scent but its unique description will enable you to identify it. Meanwhile, the pale white variety of cassia is warming and has a goat-like smell as described by Dioscorides. Other kinds of cassia that are mentioned by Dioscorides include mosyleticus blasts, aphysemon, Kitto, and car

Value precious things 💋❤

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References:

• TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
• King James Bible Version

Myrrh is one of the aromatic plants mentioned in the bible. Even though there are many verses about it in the bible, typically, most people only know so little about it. Most people are content just knowing that it is one of the gifts given by wise men to Jesus Christ. But the bible tells more about Myrrh, and it is amazing to discover that some people put some effort to know more about Myrrh and are also aware of what the bible says about it and not just being limited to looking at the usual perception of Myrrh.

When I hear people know so much about Myrrh, I really appreciate that these people take the time to learn about it, even the little details about Myrrh, I realize that maybe these Myrrh Enthusiasts read some literature and articles about Myrrh. When I think about that, I am impressed and touched because it made me realize that maybe they spend time to understand and learn more about Myrrh. I am delighted to realize that they know so much about Myrrh, and impressed whenever I see that they know Myrrh deeply. Some people would not pay attention or take notice of those little details about Myrrh, but I am really glad that there are people who enthusiastically study myrrh and continue to learn about it They seemed to know almost everything about Myrrh, which sometimes makes me think maybe they know Myrrh more than I am aware of. People normally only want to read and learn about the topics they want to learn about a particular subject, but people who are genuinely interested in Myrrh are aware not only of the health benefits of Myrrh but as well as the side effects of using Myrrh and what the bible says about Myrrh. I am grateful that even though they know both the good and side effects of myrrh, they continue to persevere knowing and researching about Myrrh.

In this blog entry, I have presented the different verses in the bible that talk about Myrrh which would allow us to understand Myrrh more deeply.

Used to intoxicate People whom Roman soldiers want to control

The Roman soldiers added myrrh to the wine that would be given to Jesus. (Mark 15:23). It was said that this was a common practice among Roman soldiers during those times for them to endure the discomfort in their routines. (1) Others say that since it is an analgesic and a narcotic, adding it to wine makes the pain bearable. However, according to a paper written in 2005, myrrh does not have a strong analgesic effect. Myrrh is being used to preserve the wine (2) and too much of it in the wine will make it unsuitable for drinking. Hence for someone who’s already suffering from aches due to wounds and thirst giving a wine with myrrh s like torturing the person even more.

Despite the temporary comfort that wine with myrrh can provide to someone thirsty, Jesus refused to drink the wine being offered by the savage and pagan worshipers. For someone who knows that what’s being fed to him might look good but intoxicating and will not do any good to his body and soul, it is just right to refrain from having those things that can be poisonous to us.
“And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.” – Mark 15:23

Used for preserving

Joseph of Arimathaea is a secret disciple of Jesus. Having faith in Jesus, he took the initiative to preserve the body of Jesus by embalming It using myrrh and aloes. (John 19:38-39) As mentioned above myrrh is used to preserve wine, it is also used to preserve the body, hence we can conclude that myrrh is an important ingredient to preserve something.

“And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came, therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred-pound weight.” – John 19:38-39

A specific ingredient for holy anointing oil and oil of gladness

Myrrh was used to anoint chosen people of God. In Exodus, we can read that the instruction given by God, mentioned specifically pure myrrh as an ingredient to make a holy anointing oil (Exodus 30: 23, 25) and oil of gladness (Psalms 45:7-8). Hence the book of Psalms says that the people anointed by God smell myrrh.

“Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,”
“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be a holy anointing oil.”– Exodus 30: 23, 25
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” – Psalms 45:7-8

A product worth bringing and transporting

Since myrrh is a valuable product, people are willing to travel and bring myrrh from one place to another. In Genesis, we can see that a Company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead and traveled to Egypt while bringing myrrh with them. (Genesis 37:25)

“And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.” – Genesis 37:25

Considered one of the best gifts you can give to a very important person

Myrrh is a preferred item for gifting. When thinking of giving the best gift to someone special or a very important person, the people in the bible choose myrrh. (Genesis 43:11, Matthew 2:11). Jacob advised his sons to give myrrh to Joseph who was a dignitary in Egypt at that time. (Genesis 43:11) It is also one of the gifts given by the three wise men to Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Knowing that myrrh is not only good for cosmetics but health as well, it deserves to be considered the best gift. I also love to have Myrrh. I honestly think Myrrh is something precious and special.

“And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:” – Genesis 43:11

“And when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11

A fragrance used in rooms

Some verses in the bible mentioned that the rooms of some people in the bible smelled perfume. In Proverbs, we can read that a woman uses myrrh to perfume her bed. (Proverbs 7:17) in Song of Solomon, the man smelled the scent of myrrh when he hold the handles of the lock of the door. (Song of Solomon 5:4-5)

“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” – Proverbs 7:17

“My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.”
“I rose to open to my beloved, and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.” – Song of Solomon 5:4-5

Part of the preparation regimen before marriage

Before Esther became a queen and a wife to King Ahasuerus, she had to go through the purification process. This is a requirement before seeing the King. This purification process is some sort of beautifying process where a woman shall be dressed, and perfumed with sweet odors. Part of this purification process is applying the oil of myrrh to the body. (Esther 2:12) This purification process is made so the King would be delighted when he sees the woman.

“Now when every maid’s turn was come to go into king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purification of the women;)” – Esther 2:12

Man’s scent

Myrrh is not only used by women. The woman who’s waiting in Songs of Solomon considered his beloved as a bundle of myrrh (Song of Solomon 1:13). The woman recognized his man due to his scent which she said was perfumed with myrrh and frankincense. Moreover, it stayed in the mind of the woman that her spouse smells myrrh. (Song of Solomon 5:13)

“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?” – Song of Solomon 3:6

“A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night between my breasts. – Song of Solomon 1:13

“His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.” – Song of Solomon 5:13

The sweet aroma of married couples

We can see in different verses in the bible that myrrh was being used both by men and women as a fragrance and beautification process. Hence, when consummating the marriage, the scent of myrrh emits from the man and the woman. (Song of Solomon 4:6, 14, 5:1)

“Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.” – Song of Solomon 4:6

“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices” Song of Solomon 4:14

“I come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” – Song of Solomon 5:1

Note:Though I’ve already mentioned in my Frankincense post, that Myrrh always comes with Frankincense, I still want to highlight and reiterate it here.

“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?” – Song of Solomon 3:6

“Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.” – Song of Solomon 4:6

“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices” Song of Solomon 4:14

“And when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11

Since the bible confirmed that the oil of myrrh was used by the people in the Bible, I see Myrrh as a lot more special than any other oil. Myrrh is a very important oil for me. As of now, I feel that I still have very limited knowledge about Myrrh, but I wanted to know and study more about Myrrh. I know that there are so many things to learn about Myrrh. A few months ago, I have already started studying Myrrh, but because of some distractions, my study of Myrrh was hampered. As of the moment, I persevere to know more about Myrrh. I hope that I will get to learn more about Myrrh. I want to know Myrrh deeply, both the good and even the bad things about it. I want to know Myrrh the way Myrrh Enthusiasts know about it.

Persevere to discover more 💋❤

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References:

• https://www.lindashealthjourney.com/wine-and-myrrh-to-help-arthritis/
• Koskenniemi E., Nisula K., Toppari J. Wine Mixed with Myrrh (Mark 15.23) and Crurifragium (John 19.31-32): Two Details of the Passion Narratives. Journal for the Study of the New Testament. 2005. Volume 27, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.1177/0142064X05055745

Some people may instantly think of Christmas when they hear the word Frankincense. Count me in, I’m one of those people who associate Christmas with Frankincense because in the bible it is one of the gifts given by wise men to Jesus when he was born.

However, when we talk about Frankincense as an essential oil, I think about maturity. Seeing some articles and images of essential oils used to treat younger people’s concerns, gives me an idea about those oils and how do they look like. However, for my age, I appreciate Frankincense better now, because Frankincense is suited for mature skin. It is suited to me because at the moment of writing this post I am in my mid 30’s. Essential oils that look perfect for mature skin is what I appreciate and prefer hence I love Frankincense essential oil.

Frankincense is one of the aromatic plants mentioned in the bible. Maybe you already have a preconceived notion about this special plant, but what does the bible say about Frankincense? This post tries to tell how the bible sees Frankincense.

1. One of the valued products in Babylon

The 18th chapter of the book of Revelation talks about the prophecies of Babylon. It’s said that it’s one of the products being sold in Babylon that makes the merchants rich. This suggests that Frankincense is considered a valuable product that the people of Babylon admire, desire, and want to keep and have control over it.

“And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.” – Revelation 18:13

2. Part of worship ceremonial offering

The book of Revelation hinted that the people of Babylon wanted to keep on selling Frankincense until the end. However, some verses in the scripture unveils as to how God truly views Frankincense. The way God thinks of Frankincense is not the same as how the people of Babylon see this precious plant. When God gave worship and offering instructions to Moses, he mentioned that Frankincense shall be an important part of it.

a. Tabernacle perfume

Frankincense was particularly mentioned by God as one of the ingredients He wanted to be included in the perfume for His tabernacle. God instructed that Frankincense must be mixed with Sweet spices. This combination will produce a perfume that will be used in the tabernacle of God.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:” – Exodus 30:34

b. Accompaniment for offerings to God

In different verses, we can read that whenever people would offer to God they should put Frankincense to it. It shall serve as an accompaniment when offering bread (Leviticus 24:7), fine flour (Leviticus 2:1-2), corn (Leviticus 2:16), and meat to God (Leviticus 2:15, Leviticus 6:15). The combination of the offering and Frankincense produces a sweet savor for God.

“And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”- Leviticus 24:7

“And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon
And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests: and he shall take therefrom his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the LORD” – Leviticus 2:1-2

“And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering.” – Leviticus 2:15

“And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savor, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.” – Leviticus 6:15

“And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” – Leviticus 2:16

3. Must not be mixed with defiled things

Typically, when people make offerings to God, they should have Frankincense with them. However, it is different when people are making a sinful offering. Since Frankincense is considered precious, God instructed that when making a sin offering, the item or animal that will be offered shall not have any Frankincense on it. The item that will be used for sin offering is a representation of the sin and it must be burned for the atonement of sin (Notice the word ‘sin’ here is in singular form) (This is the law before Jesus Christ fulfilled his mission to be crucified for the atonement of our sins. Notice that the word ‘sin’ here is in plural form) Hence, the item that will be offered as a sin offering is considered as defiled and should not be mixed with Frankincense.

“But if he is not able to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.” – Leviticus 5:11

4. Must be for pure things only

The Bible talks about the offering of jealousy. A man deserves a faithful woman. Hence, it is expected that a woman who believes in God should be faithful to his husband. If the husband doubted and thinks that his wife slept with another man, he must bring his wife to the tabernacle and make an offering of jealousy. As mentioned above, most of the offerings must be accompanied by Frankincense. Therefore, if the woman is not considered ‘clean’ she does not deserve to have Frankincense. Frankincense is reserved for pure items meant for offerings, as well as for anointing people.

“Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.” – Numbers 5:15

5. Permanent item in the sanctuary of God

Since God has instructed that Frankincense must be part of the offerings for Him, it is considered important. Believers of God know that it must be permanent in the tabernacle of God that’s why they even prepared a chamber for it in the temple (Nehemiah 13:5) and they appoint an overseer for it (1 Chronicle 9:29). Moreover, it was instructed that the chamber where the Frankincense and other items for the temple must be cleaned (Nehemiah 13:9)

“Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.” -1 Chronicles 9:29

“And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where formerly they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.” – Nehemiah 13:5

“Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.” -Nehemiah 13:9

6. It is a gift

Since Frankincense is perceived as special and valuable, it is considered the best gift for important people. The three wise men in the bible gave three gifts to Jesus when he was born, and one of those is Frankincense. The Bible itself described how Frankincense is perceived. It is written in the book of Matthew that the wise men ‘opened their treasures’ to present their gifts namely gold, myrrh, and frankincense. This shows us that historically and biblically, Frankincense is considered a treasure and even compared similarly to gold. Also, Frankincense was not only offered or given as a gift to any dignitaries or notable people. It was gifted to Jesus Christ – the real true God, the Alpha, and Omega. Hence we can see that Frankincense is precious to God. It is meant to be given to God and is also a good gift especially for people who understand its real worth and purpose.

“And when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11

7. Myrrh complements Frankincense

Frankincense was the perfume used by the coming person mentioned in Song of Solomon 3:6. Its scent was so distinct that the writer of the verse specifically identified Frankincense. Moreover, as we see in other verses in the bible, the scent of Frankincense is complemented by Myrrh.

“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?” – Song of Solomon 3:6

8. Scent for consummating the marriage

“Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.” – Song of Solomon 4:6

“Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices” – Song of Solomon 4:14

In the Songs of Solomon, Solomon described the bride. He talks about the ‘hill’ of frankincense and her ‘garden’. To get the context of the verses where frankincense is mentioned, it might be helpful to look at some words used in the chapter. The words mentioned are lips, neck, and breast.

If we will only look and understand what’s written in the bible, we would understand how God sees Frankincense, particularly Its value, and its purpose. Maybe you may have not yet realized how God reserved this special plant for Him, and how God had allowed the Songs of Solomon to describe what and where Frankincense is meant to be used. I hope you will engrave this in your heart and your mind, so you will always remember what Frankincense is truly designed for.

Pursue what you are truly designed to do 💋❤

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Reference:

• King James Bible Version

Some of us may have already heard about the story of a certain woman who poured perfume on Jesus. But, was the substance poured really a perfume? If it is or it is not, you might be wondering what it smelled like as it was mentioned in the Bible that its scent was so apparent in the house. In this post, we’ll be looking at some verses in the bible to find the answers to these questions and help us identify the substance used, its form, and its historical significance.

Spikenard ointment

By looking at some verses in the new testament, we’re going to see that during Jesus’ time, there was a woman who came to Jesus and poured an ointment on him. In the books of Matthew and Luke, it was only mentioned that she was bringing an alabaster box of ointment but was not indicated what kind of ointment it was. However, in John and Mark, we’ll know that the ointment was made of spikenard.

Matthew 26:7
“7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment,

Luke 7:37
“37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

John 12:3
“3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard,

Mark 14:3
“3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard

Going back to the Old Testament, we could trace that spikenard was already being used and valued even as far as Solomon’s time. In Songs 4:10, we can read that Solomon liked the scent of the Shulamite woman’s ointment but the main ingredient wasn’t cited. Upon reading Songs 4:11, we’ll discover that the woman has a garden with different plants including pomegranates, camphire, and spikenard.

Song of Solomon 4:10-15
“10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue, and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.
12 A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,
14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:
15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.”

However, if we go back to previous chapters of Songs of Solomon, we will be to single out what was the scent that Solomon liked.

Song of Solomon 1:12:
“12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.”

Spikenard has an “attention-grabber” scent

Anyone who uses spikenard will be easily noticed because of its scent. Going back to the story of Jesus we could see that the odor of Spikenard spread out after Mary poured the ointment onto him (John 12:3). Moreover, by re-reading Songs of Solomon, we could observe that the Shulamite woman knows that the king could notice her through the Spikenard’s scent.

John 12:3
… and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Song of Solomon 1:12:
“12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.”

Spikenard can be used in different parts of the body

For safety reasons, some herbs and oils are not recommended to be used in some parts of the body. However, we could read in different verses that when the woman annointed Jesus with the ointment, it touched different parts of the body. In Matthew and Mark, it says that it was poured on the head. In John, we could see that it was rubbed on Jesus’ feet and wiped with the woman’s hair. Still, in the book of John, we could notice that anointing Jesus’ feet with the ointment happened first before wiping His feet with the woman’s hair. But in Luke, we could observe that the woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears first and then applied the ointment. Since John the beloved is the writer of the Book of John, was a disciple of Christ, and had seen Jesus’ miracles and His life right before his eyes, I believe that John’s description was the most reliable account. Moreover, if we look at the sequence of events, it would give us a better understanding of what transpired after the woman rubbed the ointment on Jesus’ feet. After applying Spikenard’s ointment, she wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair and so the smell spread out in the house.

Matthew 26:7
… and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

Mark 14:3
… and she broke the box, and poured it on his head.

John 12:3
… and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

Luke 7:38
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”

Even during Jesus’ time, Spikenard’s ointment is considered precious

In KJV the word “costly” was used in the book of John to describe the spikenard’s ointment value. while “precious” was used in the book of Mark. It was also mentioned that during that time, it could be sold for 300 pence which was a good amount to donate to the poor. Hence, we could conclude that the ointment of Spikenard must be really valuable during those times.

John 12:3
…. a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly,

Mark 14:3
… an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious;

John 12:5
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

Matthew 26:9
9 For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.

Mark 14:5
5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Spikenard ointment was used as a topical for burial preparation

Whether the woman’s reason for choosing the spikenard ointment was due to its fragrance, therapeutic properties, or relaxing effect, her ultimate intention was to show Jesus her reverence for him. Meanwhile, Jesus said that it was to anoint his body before his burial. This gives us an idea that the ointment of spikenard was being applied for different purposes.

Matthew 26:12
12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

John 12:7
7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.”

Mark 14:8
“8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.”

Lasting scent of the Spikenard, and the scent of the woman

The woman’s gestures have shown her humility, deep respect, and belief in Jesus. Choosing spikenard ointment which was considered valuable at that time shows how highly he thinks of Jesus and that she was willing to offer to God the best that she had. Because of the humble heart and reverence of woman for Jesus, we repeatedly hear her story which makes her fragrance to still linger up to the present.

Matthew 26:13
13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”
Mark 14:9
“9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Spikenard in Israel

Spikenard came from the Himalayas where the countries India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and China can be located. However, by reading Songs of Solomon we could read that the Shuhlamite woman has a garden with spikenard plants. Shulahmites were said to be from the town Shunem or Shulam which is situated in Lower Galilee in Israel (Bible Archeology). Hence we could trace that even during the time of Solomon, the plant Spikenard already exists and is used in Israel.

Spikenard herb or its essential oil?

It wasn’t mentioned in any of the verses of the Bible that the ointment used Spikenard’s essential oil. We can’t exactly tell which part of the plant was used nor verify if its oils were used. We can only conclude but not identify exactly what was used to concoct the ointment. Maybe we can only have a more reliable hint by looking at the authentic traditional way of preparing Spiikenard’s ointment.

Stay well 

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Reference:

• King James Version

Galbanum is one of the ingredients for the perfume used in the holy temple. God himself mentioned this particular plant when he instructed Moses on the manner of preparation temple’s perfume should be made.

Galbanum’s Oil form or it’s a plain plant

While others claim that its oil form was used in the Bible, we could read from the verse that it did not mention that its oil form was used. Galbanum was mentioned in the bible only once and this can be found in the book of Exodus. In this particular verse, it plainly stated that God instructed Moses to have galbanum as one of the ingredients for the temple’s perfume, which others refer to as incense.

“34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
35 And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
36 And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy. – Exodus 30:34-38

Galbanum’s scent

Galbanum is a gum and has been concluded that comes from the Galbanum officinale (1). Dioscorides filed galbanum under the Roots Of Akanthoda or Prickly Plants in his book and named it chalbane. The English translation of Dioscoride’s book suggested that its Latin name is ferula galbaniflua. According to Dioscorides, it is the resin of ferula and it has a strong scent. Some of the exact words used to describe this gum that was originally grown in Syria are warming, burning, attractive, and dispersing.

Aromatic effects of Galbanum

To enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this plant, galbanum can be applied or inhaled. Since the bible mentioned that it will be used as a perfume, this post would only focus on its aromatic effects although it has several healing properties. Its aromatic effects include repelling poisonous beasts (which probably means animals), easing the feeling of those people with vertigo and raising the epileptic. It’s also useful for women as it helps with womb congestion and expels menstrual flow. However, pregnant women should be careful in using it because it is also abortifacient.

Thus, from the different references we could see that this strong-scented gum was used biblically for the holy temple, and historically was utilized to heal some illnesses.

May our health prayers be like a sweet-smelling incense 💋❤

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References:

• (1) Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Matthew George Easton via My Bible App
• (2) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
• (3) King James Bible Version
• (Image) Galbanum, image courtesy of Wikipedia commons

Onycha is another substance that others claim to be one of the essential oils mentioned in the bible. Just like galbanum (LINK), it is mentioned in the Bible only once. It can be found in Exodus 30:34-38 where it was specified to be one of the ingredients for the temple’s perfume (or incense as other bible version claim). Looking at different bibles, bible dictionaries, and books written by historical figures would tell us otherwise.

Onycha is a shellfish

Essential oils “are highly aromatic substances that are made in plants by special cells.” (3) hence, for an essential oil to be considered an essential oil, the raw material should come from plants and not from shellfish or animals. If the oils come from other sources they will only be simply referred to as oil. Oil is the generic term we use for different kinds of oils that have been sourced from different raw materials may they be animals, vegetables, fruits or any plants.

Referring to different literature and a particular bible version we would discover that onycha is not a plant but a shellfish.

Mollusk shell

Let’s compare the King James and New Living Translation (NLT) Bible version of Exodus 30:34.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight – Exodus 30:34, King James Bible Version

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Gather fragrant spices— resin droplets, mollusk shell, and galbanum— and mix these fragrant spices with pure frankincense, weighed out in equal amounts.” Exodus 30:34, New Living Translation (NLT)

In the King James Bible version, the word used is onycha, however looking at NLT we would find that instead of using onycha, the term used to pertain to it is “mollusk shell”

Therefore we can safely conclude that onycha is a mollusk shell.

Wing shell

Easton Bible Dictionary also verified that onycha is the nail or claw of a shellfish that was used as an ingredient in the incense for the temple. It also described its scent as having a strong odor that resembles castoreum when it has been burned. This was abundant (common) in the Red Sea. (4)

Freshwater mussels

The writing of Dioscorides in his Materia Medica also agrees that onycha is a shellfish. Dioscorides filed onycha under the living creatures category in his book and used the term ‘onyx’ and ‘unguis’.
While the Matthew George Easton Bible Dictionary claimed onycha is the claw or nail of a wing shell, Dioscorides stated that it is the covering of the shellfish.
About its place of origin, Dioscorides mentioned that it can be found in the lakes of India that have nardus (nardus-bearing lakes), but the best ones were from the red sea. There were also onycha in Babylonia which were black and smaller, which was the opposite of the ones that were found in the red sea which were white and fat.
About the scent, onycha has a strong smell like castoreum when it’s burned according to Easton Dictionary. Dioscorides indicated that the Babylonian onycha has a sweet odor that is similar to castor. Meanwhile, the onycha from India also smells sweet, as Dioscorides concluded that this was because they were feeding the nardus plant.

Effect of onycha’s odor

When oycha has been burned and its smoke has been inhaled by women, it helps women with constriction of the uterus, by restoring it (5). It also helps those who have falling sickness.

“34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
35 And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
36 And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
37 And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
38 Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.” – Exodus 30:34-38

Let genuine sweet scent emit 💋❤

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References:

• (1) King James Bible Version
• (2) New Living Translation (NLT) bible version
• (3) Davis, P. Aromatherapy an A-Z. 1988. C.W. Daniel Company Limited.
• (4) Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Matthew George Easton via My Bible App
• (5) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000

The stacte is one of the sweet spices that’s been used for the temple’s perfume (Exodus 30:34-38). While there are different plants and aquatic creatures that some claim its oil form was used in some accounts in the bible, some historical literature, and biblical dictionaries would tell you otherwise. There are only two oils that are directly mentioned in the bible, myrrh oil, and olive oil. However, reading biblical dictionaries as well as thousand-old documents written by historical figures would tell you that stacte is also an oil.

“34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
35 And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy – Exodus 30:34-35:

Stacte’s source

There are two suggestions as to how stacte is being sourced. The first notion is that stacte is a distilled myrrh, while other suggest that it is the gum of the storax tree, and shrub of Styrax officinale. (1) The writing of Dioscorides confirms that the stacte is from myrrh. He explained that it is the fat of new myrrh. It is extracted by bruising it with a small amount of water and pressing the oil of new myrrh (stacte) by pressing it by using a particular instrument. (2)

Stacte’s scent and sensational effect

As described by Dioscorides, stacte is very potent even in just a small amount. Applied topically, it has a warming sensation that resembles the effect of hot oils. With regard to the odor, stacte has a very sweet scent. (2)

Stacte in perfumery and as a therapeutic remedy

Stacte is being used in perfumery (1) as well as in making ointments. Dioscorides even noted that by itself it makes an ointment (2). Stacte is being used as a medication to soothe inflammation or irritation (demulcent) to chest (pectoral) discomforts or complaints (1).

Attest what smells good 💋❤

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References:

• (1) Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Matthew George Easton via My Bible App
• (2) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
• (3) King James Bible Version

Saffron is mentioned in the bible only once. It can be read in the Songs of Solomon 4:14 where it says that it is one of the aromatic plants in the ‘garden’ of the spouse. However the verse did not specifically mentioned that it’s oil was used.

“14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:”  – Song of Solomon 4:14

It is named as Krokos in Dioscorides De Materia Medica, and it’s Latin name is Crocus sativus. It is used for culinary flavoring, domestic enjoyment, as well as healing remedies.

Medicinal properties

Some of its health benefits include the following: digestive, softening, somewhat astringent, and diuretic. (2) Topically applied it can soothe inflammation caused by a skin inflammation called erysipelas as well as ear inflammation. (2)

Aromatic properties

Its scent has been described as pleasant for having an alluring odor and a bit stronger or sharper)  (2) The best of crocomagma or the saffron oil residue is sweet smelling. (2) Crocomagma is obtained after saffron oil has been processed and refined. (3) 

Culinary Flavoring

Since saffron is flavorful it makes some dishes more palatable when it is paired with a saffron condiment. Even just a little pinch of it would give the dish a distinct saffron flavor. Thus making a bland rice or stew dish become tasty as it complements the dish by giving it an agreeable flavor to the dish. (1)

With it’s aroma and culinary and medicinal uses, it deserves to be included in the ‘garden’ of the woman in the verse above. 

Taste and enjoy good flavors and scents 💋❤

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References:

1. Illustrated Bible Dictionary Matthew George Easton via my Bible app
2. TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
3. (3) Crocomagma definition via World of Dictionary.