Tag Archives: Bible

Essential Oils in the Bible

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.

Essential Oils in the Bible: Matthew 23:23

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.

How to Use Essential Oils: Galbanum

Galbanum essential oil, steam-distilled from the resin of the Ferula galbaniflua plant, has a strong, green, and earthy aroma with hints of spice and balsam. Native to the Middle East and western Asia, galbanum has been used since ancient times in incense, perfumes, and healing balms. Its unique fragrance is both grounding and stimulating, making it a distinctive choice for meditation, reflection, and spiritual practice. Diffused, galbanum creates a deep, resinous atmosphere that connects the mind and spirit.

Beyond its ancient spiritual heritage, galbanum essential oil is valued in modern aromatherapy for its calming and restorative qualities. It blends well with wood oils like cedarwood, floral oils like lavender, and other resins such as frankincense and myrrh. In perfumery, galbanum is often used as a fresh top note that adds depth, richness, and brightness to blends. In wellness practices, it is sometimes included in diluted massage oils for soothing and balancing the body.

Did You Know? Galbanum is mentioned in the Bible as one of the sacred ingredients in the holy incense described in Exodus 30:34, alongside frankincense and myrrh. Ancient Egyptians also used galbanum resin in embalming practices and temple offerings, while Roman and Greek physicians recommended it for various remedies. Today, its distinctive balsamic aroma is still prized in high-end perfumery and spiritual blends, keeping its place as one of history’s most treasured resins.

Essential Oils in the Bible

“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.

How to Use Essential Oils: Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil, distilled from the resin of the Boswellia tree, is one of the most treasured oils in history, prized for its warm, spicy, and slightly woody aroma. Native to the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa, frankincense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual ceremonies, religious rituals, and natural medicine. In essential oil form, its grounding fragrance is often diffused to promote feelings of peace, relaxation, and spiritual connection. Its timeless aroma makes it one of the most versatile oils for both body and soul.

Beyond its spiritual heritage, frankincense essential oil is widely used in modern wellness practices. It is often added to skin care products for its rejuvenating properties, supporting healthy, radiant-looking skin. In aromatherapy, it blends beautifully with citrus oils like bergamot for uplifting balance, or with grounding oils like sandalwood for meditation and calm. Frankincense is also valued for supporting clear breathing and creating a soothing environment, making it a staple in both personal and household blends.

Did You Know? Frankincense is famously known as one of the gifts of the Magi brought to the Christ child, giving it a strong connection to Christmas and spiritual traditions. In ancient times, it was more valuable than gold and was traded across the Middle East and North Africa. The resin was burned in temples and sacred spaces as a symbol of prayer and devotion, and its use continues today in churches and ceremonies worldwide. Its enduring reputation as the “king of oils” reflects its blend of sacred history and practical benefits.

Essential Oils in the Bible

“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

Frankincense held a sacred role in Israel’s worship, not merely for its fragrance but for what it represented. The instruction to place pure frankincense on the bread of the Presence was deeply symbolic—its aroma rising like prayer, connecting worshippers to God. The scent of burning resin was more than pleasant; it was an offering of devotion and remembrance, a way of setting apart holy things as belonging to the Lord.

Historically, frankincense was harvested from the Boswellia tree and considered among the most precious resins of the ancient world. It was imported across desert trade routes and often reserved for temples and royal courts. In biblical times, its costliness highlighted the value of devotion and reverence. Today, frankincense essential oil is still treasured for its calming and centering qualities, reminding us of how its sacred use in the Bible linked daily life with worship and reverence before God.

Use Essential Oils Like Jesus

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Essential Oils in the Bible

Frankincense & Myrrh – Gifts Fit for a King

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.

Essential Oils in the Bible

Myrrh – The Fragrance of Intimacy and Devotion

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.

Essential Oils in the Bible

Myrrh – A Fragrance of Love and Devotion

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.