In biblical times, oil was part of everyday life. Olive oil was used for food, skin care, healing, hospitality, and honoring guests. When Psalm 23 says, “thou anointest my head with oil,” it describes a familiar act of refreshment and care. To be anointed meant you were welcomed, valued, and restored, even while challenges were still present.
Essential oils fit naturally into this setting. Aromatic plants such as frankincense, myrrh, and spikenard were infused into oils and used for comfort, cleansing, and spiritual devotion. When David wrote these words, he was drawing from practices people understood well, linking physical care with peace, provision, and a sense of abundance so full that, as he said, the cup truly ran over.
Matthew 6:28–29 appears within a teaching where Jesus addresses ordinary people living with daily uncertainty. His audience included laborers, farmers, and families who worried about food, clothing, and survival. Clothing was costly, time-consuming to produce, and closely tied to security and dignity. When Jesus spoke about raiment, He was speaking directly to real anxieties, not abstract spiritual concerns.
To make His point, Jesus turned attention away from human effort and toward the natural world. The hillsides were filled with wildflowers that bloomed freely, without cultivation or labor. By contrasting these flowers with the grandeur of Solomon, He highlighted the difference between beauty produced through striving and beauty that simply exists by design. The message was not about rejecting responsibility, but about re-examining where trust and value truly come from.
Jesus draws attention to the lilies of the field—real, aromatic plants that people in Galilee saw, smelled, and touched every day. In the ancient world, flowers and herbs were not just visual decorations; they were closely tied to fragrance, medicine, and daily life. Many plants released natural aromas when crushed or warmed by the sun. By inviting people to consider the lilies, He was pointing to how God-designed plants grow, flourish, and express beauty without anxiety, manufacture, or force.
For this reason, the passage is often viewed as an essential-oil verse in principle. It reflects the idea that plants were created with inherent purpose, carrying beauty and function within them. Essential oils mirror this concept by concentrating what already exists in the plant rather than adding something artificial. The teaching ultimately invites trust, reminding readers that provision, care, and even restoration often come through receiving what has already been given to us in life.
In Matthew 23, Jesus is speaking publicly in Jerusalem during the final week before His arrest. He is addressing the crowds and His disciples, but His words are aimed directly at the religious leaders of the time—the scribes and Pharisees. These men were highly respected for their knowledge of the Law of Moses and for their strict outward obedience. They were known for carefully following detailed religious rules, especially those that could be seen and measured, such as fasting, public prayer, and tithing even the smallest household herbs.
The specific mention of mint, anise, and cumin reflects how far this attention to detail had gone. These were common garden spices, inexpensive and small, yet the Pharisees meticulously counted and tithed them to demonstrate obedience. While this practice was not wrong in itself, Jesus pointed out that their focus on minor regulations had come at the expense of far more important responsibilities—justice toward others, mercy for those in need, and faithfulness of heart. In other words, they were keeping the letter of the law while neglecting its spirit.
Jesus’ rebuke was not a rejection of discipline or obedience, but a call for balance and integrity. He acknowledged that careful practices had their place, but insisted they should never replace compassion, fairness, and genuine devotion. Matthew 23:23 exposes a deeper problem: religious performance without transformed character. It serves as a warning that devotion measured only by outward acts can miss the very heart of what God desires.
“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.” — Leviticus 2:1
In this passage, frankincense was added to the grain offering, setting it apart as a memorial before God. Its fragrance, when burned, made the simple elements of flour and oil into something sacred, lifted from the ordinary into an act of holy devotion. Unlike animal sacrifices, which were dramatic and costly, the grain offering—with its measure of frankincense—showed that even daily bread could become worship when offered with a pure heart.
Historically, frankincense was a highly sought-after resin, harvested from the Boswellia tree and carried along ancient caravan routes into Israel. It was not just a commodity but a marker of sacred use, always connected with prayer, offerings, and the presence of God. While it served practical purposes in trade and medicine, its role in worship gave it lasting spiritual meaning. Today, frankincense essential oil continues this legacy, supporting prayer and reflection, reminding us of how God transforms the ordinary into the holy.
In Matthew 2:11, the wise men brought treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. These gifts were far more than valuable commodities—they carried deep symbolic meaning. Gold was a gift fit for a king, but frankincense and myrrh were essential oils highly prized in the ancient world. Frankincense, harvested from the resin of the Boswellia tree, was central in Hebrew worship. It was burned on the altar of incense in the Temple (Exodus 30:34-36) and represented prayer rising to God. Myrrh, drawn from the resin of the Commiphora tree, had multiple uses: as a perfume, in anointing oils, and even in embalming. Together, frankincense and myrrh pointed to Jesus’ dual role: frankincense as a sign of His priestly and divine nature, and myrrh foreshadowing His suffering and sacrificial death.
Historically, these oils were among the most valuable substances in the ancient Near East. They were traded along caravan routes stretching from Arabia and East Africa into Israel, often worth their weight in gold. Kings and priests used them in ceremonies, and healers prized them for medicinal purposes. For the Magi to present such costly oils to the young Jesus was both a gesture of immense honor and a prophetic symbol of His mission. Today, frankincense and myrrh essential oils are still used for their aromatic, calming, and restorative properties—echoing their sacred and timeless history. Their presence in the story of the Nativity reminds us that God’s plan was written not only in scripture but also in the fragrances and treasures of the ancient world.
In Song of Solomon 5:5,13, myrrh is once again portrayed as a fragrance of love and closeness. The bride describes her hands dripping with sweet-smelling myrrh as she reaches for her beloved, a poetic image of longing and intimacy. Later, she compares his cheeks to a bed of spices and his lips to lilies, also dropping myrrh. This repetition of myrrh underscores its treasured role as both an aromatic and symbolic oil, linking it to deep affection and the beauty of human relationships. In biblical times, myrrh was often used in perfumes and ointments, making it an unmistakable sign of devotion, care, and tenderness.
The use of myrrh in these verses reminds us that essential oils were not only tools for worship and healing but also woven into the poetry of love. Their scents carried meaning beyond the physical, expressing emotions and connections too deep for words alone. Today, myrrh essential oil is still cherished for its soothing, grounding qualities. Just as in Solomon’s song, it continues to symbolize the blending of love, fragrance, and faith—reminding us of the sacredness found in both spiritual devotion and human bonds.
In Song of Solomon 5:1, the bridegroom declares that he has come into his garden and gathered myrrh with his spice, alongside honey and wine. Myrrh, a resin drawn from the Commiphora tree, was treasured in ancient times not only for its use in worship and anointing but also as a symbol of love and intimacy. Its warm, earthy fragrance was often blended into perfumes and ointments, marking it as both a sacred and personal treasure. Here, in the poetic language of Solomon, myrrh carries the meaning of deep devotion, affection, and union.
The mention of myrrh in this context reminds us that essential oils were woven into every aspect of life—from temple worship to the expressions of love between husband and wife. Today, myrrh essential oil continues to be valued for its grounding and restorative properties, echoing the balance it provided in biblical times. Just as it was used to sweeten moments of closeness and covenant, myrrh’s enduring fragrance invites us to nurture love, connection, and sacred devotion in our own lives.
In 1 Kings 4:33, Solomon is described as speaking of trees “from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall.” These two plants, though vastly different in size and stature, both carried deep meaning in the ancient world and are known for the essential oils they produce. Cedarwood oil, pressed from the towering cedars of Lebanon, was valued for its rich, grounding fragrance and its protective qualities, while hyssop oil, drawn from a small but resilient herb, was treasured for its cleansing and purifying properties.
Together, cedar and hyssop symbolize a divine balance—strength and purity. The mighty cedar represented stability and power, often used in temple construction, while hyssop was used in sacred rituals of purification. Essential oils drawn from these plants remind us that God provides for both body and spirit through His creation. From the lofty trees to the humble herbs, each carries unique blessings, reflecting His wisdom and care for all aspects of life.
In Ezekiel 47:12, the prophet describes a vision of a life-giving river flowing from God’s temple, nourishing the land and producing trees that bear fruit for food and leaves for medicine. This passage reflects God’s provision for both physical nourishment and healing, emphasizing the natural gifts He has placed in creation. The leaves used for medicine suggest the historical use of plants and their extracts, including essential oils, in healing practices.
Throughout history, many ancient cultures, including the Hebrews, Egyptians, and Greeks, used plant-based remedies for healing, anointing, and spiritual purposes. Essential oils, which are concentrated extracts from plants, were often made by crushing leaves, flowers, and bark to release their healing properties. Oils like myrrh, frankincense, and cedarwood were used for their medicinal, aromatic, and antiseptic qualities. In biblical times, these natural remedies were part of daily life, used for treating wounds, anointing kings and priests, and even preparing the dead for burial.
This passage in Ezekiel reminds us that God provides natural healing through the plants and trees He created. Even today, people use essential oils for health and wellness, much like the ancients did. Whether in aromatherapy, skincare, or traditional medicine, these plant extracts continue to be valued for their benefits. Just as the river in Ezekiel’s vision brings life to the land, the natural world offers us God’s healing gifts, showing His care for both our bodies and spirits.
In the book of Leviticus, God gave instructions to Moses about how the Israelites should offer sacrifices and gifts as acts of worship. One of these offerings was the grain offering, which included fine flour, oil, and frankincense. A priest would take a handful of this mixture and burn it on the altar as a sweet-smelling offering to God. The oil represented God’s provision and blessing, while the frankincense, a valuable spice, was used for prayer and worship. Together, they symbolized the people’s gratitude and devotion.
The use of oil and frankincense had a deeper meaning in biblical times. Olive oil was used not just for cooking but also for anointing people as a sign of God’s presence. Frankincense, a fragrant resin, was burned as incense to represent prayers rising to heaven. These natural elements were considered sacred, often used in healing, prayer, and worship. In Leviticus 6:15, God asked for these items in the offering to show that true worship comes from a pure and grateful heart.
Even today, essential oils like frankincense are valued for their soothing and healing properties. While we may not offer grain sacrifices, we can still learn from this passage. It teaches us that worship is about giving our best to God, whether through prayer, gratitude, or acts of kindness. Just as the oil and frankincense created a pleasing aroma in the temple, our lives should be a pleasing offering to God, full of faith and thanksgiving.
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