Biblical Oils

When we think of oils in the bible, our mind immediately turns to  the birth of Christ.  It was the wise men who brought him Frankincense and Myrrh.  Though essential oils are mentioned throughout the entire bible.  

As Holy Week comes to an end let's take a look at some of the oils that are repeated through the bible.  Over the next few days we will look at 10 oils.  Today we will start with  4.

Aloes/Sandalwood

Aloes/Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood is a symbol of abundance.  Nicodemus brought Aloes to Jesus as a gift.  It was later used as his burial ointments.

 

John 19:38-42New International Version (NIV)

The Burial of Jesus

38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[a] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

 Myrrh
Myrrh is a well know oil from the story of Jesus' birth.  This was one of the gifts the Magi brought.  Myrrh is an anointing oil.  It is also use as an ointment.  It was used in Jesus' burial preparations.

New International Version (NIV)Mark 15:23

 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.

                           Frankincense

  Frankincense is well know as part of the Christmas story.  Though it is mentioned quite often in the bible. Its Hebrew translation is levonah which is used 22 times in the bible. Frankincense indicates wealth and prosperity.  It is generally used as a part of ceremonial offerings.  Frankincense was such a precious commodity that it was considered  currency.

New International Version (NIV)

Matthew 2:11

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

                                   Onycha

 Onycha was an ingredient in the “pure and holy” perfume the Lord commanded Moses to make.  It was only mentioned this one time in the bible. 

New International Version (NIV)

Exodus 30:34

Incense

 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts