The product of the Boswellia tree, Frankincense, has had a long and distinguished history throughout the world. Not only precious and beautiful to behold, it has for centuries been recognized for its myriad health and spiritual benefits, including its use in the Bible.
The role of Frankincense in the Bible is no less important than it has been elsewhere. It has multiple roles, playing a significant part in religious rites and ceremonies. It appears in both the Old and New Testament, primarily in connection with offerings at the tabernacle and temple, but also as a symbol of holiness.
The use of Frankincense in the Bible has several spiritual associations. It is mentioned by name 31 times in the Old Testament of the Bible, and twice in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, it is usually associated with the word “sweet” and is often seen as a symbol of divine favor or purity. It is also associated with the Holy Spirit, as well as prayer and meditation. The New Testament mentions it in connection with the wise men who visited the baby Jesus, connected to its traditional role as a sign of divine blessing.
The use of Frankincense in the Bible is connected to the use of incense in the temple or tabernacle. In fact, it is mentioned as part of the “incense of sweet spices” used to perfume the altar and to perfume the sanctuary. The fact that it is mentioned in the Bible in connection to the worship of God is significant, as it indicates its importance in religious ceremonies and its holistic power in human affairs.
Frankincense is also seen in the Bible in connection with the “burning of incense”. This is mentioned on several occasions in the Old Testament in connection with the offering of sacrifices. The burning of incense is used as a symbol of worship and reverence, thus representing its spiritual significance. In Exodus 30:1-10, God instructs Moses to use anointed incense as part of the consecration of priests, showing the importance of Frankincense to the worship of God.
Finally, Frankincense was also used in the Bible as part of offerings. It is mentioned in Numbers 7:10-81 in connection to the gifting of offerings to the tabernacle. These offerings were made to honor God and to show respect. Thus, Frankincense was seen as a symbol of respect and recognition of the divine authority of God, as well as of the spiritual power of Frankincense itself.
Hypnotic Properties
The precious aromatic resin of Frankincense has been used for centuries in ceremonies and religious rituals. It is thought to have a hypnotic effect which can facilitate meditation and bring calmness of body and mind. Frankincense is therefore closely associated with prayer and meditation in the Bible. In both the Old and New Testament, it is mentioned multiple times as part of worshipping God. The use of Frankincense to aid prayer and meditation is likely due to its believed hypnotic effects, which could aid worship and promote spirituality.
Sacrifices
The ritual use of Frankincense in the Bible is closely associated with the offering of sacrifice. In the Old Testament, it is mentioned multiple times in connection to the offering of sacrifice. For example, in Leviticus 2:1-16, God instructs the Israelites to offer an offering of “fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil”, which is mixed with an “ compounded with incense”. The offering of an animal sacrifice was a common practice in the Israelite religion and the offering of Frankincense as part of this was a way to honor God and to show respect.
Fragrant Aroma
In addition to its spiritual significance, Frankincense also has a distinctive and beautiful aroma. The smoke created by burning it is said to mimic the smell of the paradise described by the Bible. It was used by the Israelites to create a pleasing aroma in the tabernacle, thus bringing a sense of peace and holiness within the Tabernacle and connecting it to the divine.
Healing Properties
Frankincense was also associated with healing properties in the Bible. References to its healing powers are found throughout the Old Testament. For example, in Exodus 30:34 God instructs Moses to prepare a holy anointed oil, which was “perfumed with the sweet spice of reconsecrated Frankincense”. This suggests that Frankincense was seen as having healing powers associated with it.
Opulence
In the Bible, Frankincense is also associated with opulence, both in a physical and spiritual sense. In Numbers 5:15, it is associated with costly offerings, and the expensive and beautiful nature of Frankincense has been noted throughout history. In Matthew 2:11, the wise men bring Frankincense and other “expensive” gifts to the baby Jesus, suggesting that Frankincense was seen as a symbol of wealth and status, in addition to its spiritual significance.
Blessing
Finally, Frankincense was often associated with the notion of blessing in the Bible. In many religious ceremonies, it was used to bless the participants and in the Old Testament it was associated with priests who were anointed with holy oil. In Exodus 30:30, God instructs Moses to make a holy anointing oil “with spices of the perfumer”. This suggests that Frankincense was associated with a holy blessing and was used to anoint people at religious ceremonies.
