Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SPICES

A generic term for any expensive perfume that was highly valued as a precious commodity (Heb. bōśem). The high monetary value of spice is indicated by its repeated association with precious metals and stones (Ezek. 27:22), and they were a significant part of trade in luxury items (cf. Rev. 18:13; Gk. ámōmon). The queen of Sheba brought some exclusive spices from her land to Solomon (1 Kgs. 10:2, 10 = 2 Chr. 9:1, 9; cf. Ezek. 27:22), as did all foreign dignitaries who visited Solomon (1 Kgs. 10:25). Hezekiah built special treasuries just for his spices (2 Kgs. 20:13 = 2 Chr. 32:27). Asa’s bier contained spice at his funeral (2 Chr. 16:14); spices (Gk. árōma) were used to embalm Jesus (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56; 24:1), in accordance with Jewish burial custom (John 19:40).

Spices also had an aromatic use, and are mentioned frequently in the Song of Solomon. Here they appear to be used as an aphrodisiac as the lover is obsessed with the scent (Cant. 5:13). They are used along with myrrh (Cant. 5:1). The lover is personified as a “bed of spices” (Cant. 6:2), yet her fragrance is better than spice (4:10, 14). The sexual energy of the lover is compared to that of a stag and a gazelle on a “mountain of spices” (Cant. 8:14).

Further, spices had a cultic use and were a major ingredient in the oil used for anointing (Exod. 35:8, 28). The ingredients for this special spice were liquid myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane, and cassia (Exod. 30:22-24). Certain Levites were especially assigned to take care of the temple spices (1 Chr. 9:29), and others were responsible for preparing the mixture (v. 30). “Sweet spices” (Heb. sam) used in anointing were noted for their fragrance (Exod. 30:34; 37:29; cf. NRSV).

Heb. nĕḵôṯ, sometimes translated “gum,” appears to be a condiment (Gen. 43:11). It has been identified as the Astragalus tragacantha plant.

Keith A. Burton

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SPICES

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)