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Is Your Life Fragrant Like Spikenard?
While the king is at his table, My spikenard sends forth its fragrance. —Song of Solomon 1:12 NKJV
A crisp wind shears through the souk, the open air market in Jerusalem, where merchants and buyers haggle over shekels for their choice meats, seeds, and spices. The young bride wraps her shawl tighter, pulling her veil closer to her face as she scurries through the narrow, twisting streets, in search of the last few provisions for Shabbat.
“Finally,” she whispers to herself, moving away from the other women dickering in the same stall, “the perfect pomegranate.”
Across the road from the noisy chatter where a blacksmith’s hammer clangs and a carpenter’s saw screech, a melodic voice tugs her attention away from her shopping.
“Like you.”
Turning slowly, her gaze falls on a wrung-out dishcloth of a blind man, curled up beside the dirt road, clutching his few belongings. “What was that?”
“Ahhhh, I would know that heavenly fragrance anywhere. Spikenard, an aroma so genuine and pure. It fills my nostrils with the memories of years gone by.” He sighs and smiles.
“You must come from a wealthy family. An aroma that rich must cost a year’s wages.”
“Oh, no, sir. I am from the poor village on the east side of town. It was a gift from my bridegroom. He is a wonderful man,” she says beaming.
“A bride-to-be,” he says smiling widely. “The softness of your voice speaks of youth. How old are you, young one?”
“Thirteen,” she responds.
“Are you as fair and beautiful as you sound?”
She blushes, unable to speak.
“Kind sir, do you have any place to spend Shabbat?”
“No, I do not. Neither do I have enough to buy what I need.”
Taking him by the hand, she leads him toward a cluster of mud homes off in the distance, where wisps of smoke, rising from the cooking fires, silhouette the autumn sky. “It would be my honor to have you as a guest in my father’s house.”
Spikenard comes from a very rare plant that is usually blended with olive oil for anointing in acts of consecration, dedication, and worship. The root word for spike- nard in the Greek means genuine or pure.
In John 12:3, the Bible tells how spikenard was used to anoint Yeshua, the pure and spotless Lamb, just days before His death and burial: “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Yeshua, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil” (NKJV).
Mark 14:3 tells us of another woman who came, having an alabaster flask of very precious oil of spikenard, and she broke the seal and poured the oil on Yeshua’s head. Some of the disciples were very indignant with the “waste” of costly oil, as it may have cost this woman as much as a whole year’s wages. But Yeshua rebuked them and said she had done a good work, preparing Him for His death. For her deed would be remembered wherever the gospel would be preached.
As we desire to become the spotless bride of Messiah, we must walk in purity and love, burying our sins at the cross. With His life broken, He doesn’t leave us alone to “waste away.” Instead, the oil, symbolic of the inner working of the Ruach Ha Kodesh, has been poured out for us, so we can live a life that is rich with a sweet, heavenly fragrance. The compassion the bride showed for the blind man is a scent we should all emit. For it was the downtrodden the Adonai lavishly poured out His grace upon. Even others who may be spiritually blind will sense our adoration and reverence for our Bridegroom and experience a deep awareness of His presence.
And Yeshua said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. (Mark 14:6–7 KJV)
Myrrh Essential Oil – Symbolic of the First and the Last in the Bible – Alef and Tov – Alpha and Omega – The Beginning and the End
Myrrh is the first oil mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 37:25, when Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him into slavery to a caravan of Midianites (incense traders) that we on their way to Egypt. The Scriptures tell us that the caravan was carrying “balm and myrrh.” Years later during the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy food where they encountered Joseph as the Egyptian ruler. Interestingly, Jacob, their father (Israel), told his sons to bring gifts for the Prince and the Scriptures tells us in Genesis 43:11, they brought him “balm and myrrh”- the same two oils that accompanied Joseph into slavery.
Not only is myrrh the first oil mentioned in the Bible, it is also the last one mentioned in Revelation 18:13, which describes the destruction of Babylon when all of these wonderful fragrances and ointments will be no more. Myrrh is rich with symbolism and is mentioned 156 times in the Bible.
Myrrh was also one of the first gum resins/oil given as a gift to Yeshua as a child by the Magi. Matthew 2:11 tells us, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Certainly by no coincidence, myrrh was also the last oil offered to Yeshua at Golgotha when He was delivered to be crucified. In Mark 15:23 we read how they offered Him, “wine mingled with myrrh,” but He refused it. Yeshua refused the myrrh as a pain-reliever, because He agreed to come down in the form of man and drink from the cup of suffering and that He did. As the Alpha and the Omega – the Alef and the Tov – the beginning and the end – He identified with us in His pain and sorrow, so that we could have the courage to seek and know Him intimately through the fellowship of suffering.
For actual egyptian myrrh resins, please visit our website http://HealWithOil.com or http://www.HealWithEssentialOil.com. We also sell pure essential oils for you to blend your own anointing oil for ministry and healing.
Anointing Oil that breaks the Yoke
Psalm 133:2 it describes the anointing of Aaron with “precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.” The words “precious” and “ointment” indicate that this was not just olive oil but pure oils such as were used in the holy anointing oil.[1]
The Hebrew word for “anoint” is masach, which means “to smear, spread, or massage,” and in some cases it means “to pour oil over the head or body.” It shares the same root term as “Messiah,” mashiyach, meaning “anointed one.” In the New Testament, the Greek word Kristos or “Christ” means “anointed one” and is used 361 times.
Other words and phrases used in the Scriptures such as anointing oil, ointment, spices, incense, perfumes, odors or sweet savors, aromas, or fragrances, all imply essential oils.
A unique act of anointing is found in ancient Chinese medicine—for thousands of years they have placed oil on the inside of the ear and this place was called the “sheman” point. Yahweh instructed anointing this point of the right ear in Leviticus 14:17: “And the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering.”
This practice was used in a cleansing ceremony for leprosy to cleanse the leper and his house, and in another ceremony to release emotional patterns of guilt. Both of these rituals involved Cedarwood, Hyssop, and a “log of oil” (10 fluid ounces) which would have been beaten olive oil containing aromatics. Modern research has found that this portion of the ear is where one releases and resolves issues of guilt regarding their parents.
The biblical act of anointing is mentioned 156 times in the Bible. The Hebrew word for “anointing” is shemen, which means “fat oil, fatness, or olive oil.” In Isaiah 10:27, it says, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off they neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” It is the anointing oil that breaks the yoke.
For more information, visit my website, Http://HealWithOil.com.
[1] “The Old Testament: Volume Four.” A David Solomon and Elijah Vanguard video, copyright 1997.
For more information about the biblical essential oils, please visit Rebecca’s website http://HealWithOil.com.
Spikenard Essential Oil
Spikenard comes from a very rare plant that is usually blended with olive oil for anointing acts of consecration, dedication, and worship. The Greek word for “Spikenard” means “genuine or pure.”
There are three accounts in the Scriptures of Yeshua being anointed with Spikenard, found in Luke 7:36-38, Mark 14:3 and in John 12:1-3.[1]
Pure Spikenard is a very costly spice and the word “nard,” used in the King James Version, is from the Hebrew word nard meaning “light.” The Scriptures describe Yeshua in Mark 9:3, when He was transfigured and His whiteness was beyond any earthly whiteness.[2]
Those desiring to become the spotless Bride of Messiah must walk in purity and light, burying sins at the stake. With His life broken, He doesn’t leave believers alone to “waste away.” Instead, the oil, symbolic of the inner working of the Ruach HaKodesh, has been poured out, so believers can live a life that is rich with a sweet, heavenly fragrance. Song of Solomon 1:12 says, “While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.”
The King is sitting, symbolic of His finished work at the cross. He invites His Bride to come and join Him for a feast at His table. Here is a picture of the Bride and her fragrance is emanating out of her spirit in worship to the King’s provision. It is a heavenly fragrance all should possess.
Solomon’s prophecy was fulfilled a thousand years later in John 12:3, where the Bible tells how Spikenard was used to anoint Yeshua, the pure and spotless Lamb, just days before His death and burial: “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.”
Some of the disciples were very indignant with the “waste” of costly oil, as it may have cost this woman as much as a whole year’s wages. But Yeshua rebuked them and said she had done a good work, preparing Him for His death. And her deed would be remembered wherever the Gospel would be preached.
Therapeutic/Medicinal Uses
Spikenard is known to be antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, a deodorant, and a skin tonic. It aids in Candida, insomnia, menstrual difficulties, migraines, nausea, rashes, and scar tissues. Spikenard is 93% sesquiterpenes in content, and can erase incorrect information in the DNA or cellular memory.[3]
Dr. Dietrich Gumbel has reported Spikenard being helpful with the heart and circulatory system.[4] It is very relaxing and acts as a natural sedative.
[1] “The Life of Jesus Christ” Collectors Edition, Disc 1. Courtesy of Diamond Entertainment, copyrighted.
[2] Totilo, Rebecca Park. The Hebrew Wedding Customs. 2005.
[3] Essential Oils Desk Reference. Essential Science Publishing. Page 72.
[4] Dietrich Gumbel, Ph.D.
For more information about the biblical essential oils, please visit Rebecca’s website http://HealWithOil.com.
Hyssop Essential Oil
King David wrote in Psalm 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
David prayed this prayer after Nathan the prophet came and confronted him about his sin of going in to Bathsheba, committing adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:1-14).
For more information on the spiritual significance of hyssop, please get Rebecca’s book, The Fragrance of the Bride at her website http://HealWithOil.com.
As he began to meditate on the law, David felt great remorse and truly repented from his sin. He wanted to restore his relationship with God. His understanding of the healing properties of Hyssop as a purifier inspired him in his psalm of prayer to God.
The Hebrew word for “Hyssop” is esob, and means “holy herb.” Hyssop is considered to be spiritually purifying and serves as an aid in cleansing oneself from sin, immorality, evil thoughts, or bad habits.
The method of using of Hyssop oil (inhaled or applied to the body) to purge oneself from iniquity has scientific basis.
Hyssop has constituents that can reprogram the DNA where sinful tendencies (negative emotions) are stored, thus releasing and cleansing the root cause of the action.[1]
Another reason for Jewish belief that Hyssop repels evil spirits is because of the passage in the book of Exodus, where Moses asked the elders of Israel to sacrifice a spotless lamb and to use a Hyssop branch to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts of their dwellings.
At the first Passover, the angel of death killed the firstborn son of every household except those whose doorway was marked with the lamb’s blood using a Hyssop branch. Exodus 12:22 says, “And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason.” Striking the doorposts would have released the scent of the Hyssop and the oil.
Yeshua, who died in His Bride’s place, became the Passover Lamb. In John 19:29, it reads, “Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.”
They dipped the sponge in sour wine or vinegar and extended it to His mouth on a branch of Hyssop, because He is the door. This prophetic charade portrayed His blood as the only way of salvation and the Hyssop—symbolic of the Holy Spirit—as the one who purifies and sanctifies the believer.
Therapeutic/Medicinal Uses
Valerie Cooksley, R.N., wrote in her book “Aromatherapy” the uses of Hyssop as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, and antiviral.[2]
Hyssop is good for easing colds, coughs, and fever as a decongestant. It helps reduce fat in tissue, raises low blood pressure, opens the respiratory system, and strengthens and tones the nervous system. Hyssop serves as a sedative and is good for quieting anxiety and clearing the mind.[3]
[1] Stewart, David, Ph.D., D.N.M. The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple: God’s love manifest in molecules. Care Publications. 2005. Page 304.
[2] Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, R.N. Aromatherapy. Page 351.
[3] George Nemecz, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry at the Campbell University School of Pharmacy.
For more information about the biblical essential oils and how to use them for healing, please visit Rebecca’s website http://HealWithOil.com.
The Scent of His Coming
When Yeshua returns, the world will smell His coming! His garments will be scented with these biblical fragrances. Psalm 45:7-8 says:
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.”
These fragrances burn as incense before the throne of Yah and Yeshua’s fragrance fills the Temple. Revelation 8:3-4 says:
“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.”
To learn more about the Biblical Essential Oils, please visit Rebecca’s website at http://HealWithOil.com.
The Scent of Smell
Smelling the fragrance of a rose can bring healing and elevate one’s mood. Even when the scent is too faint to notice healing is taking place. The sense of smell facilitated through the olfactory nerve invites the fragrance into certain regions of the brain, enabling the body to process them naturally.
Just inhaling a fragrance will bring healing to the body because with pure therapeutic essential oils the molecules are small enough to bypass the blood-brain barrier and reach down at the cellular level to bring healing.[1] Regular inhalation of essential oils stimulates the limbic region of the brain and encourages the natural release of the human growth hormone (HGH). [2]
With 1,000 sensors in the nose, it can identify 10,000 scents.[3] And because the nose is wired differently that the other four senses, it carries molecules directly into the emotional center of the brain where traumatic memories are stored. Essential oils are a vehicle by which repressed emotions can be released.[4]
The Hebrew word for “smell” is reyach, and this shares the same root word for “spirit,” which is ruach. Yahweh was moved to compassion through the sense of smell as in the account of Noah’s offering after the flood: “And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD… and offered burnt offerings… and the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake” (Genesis 8:20-21).
[1] Stewart, David, Ph.D., D.N.M. The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple: God’s love manifest in molecules. Care Publications. 2005.
[2] Ledoux, Dr. Joseph. New York Medical University.
[3] Cromie, William. “Researchers Sniff Out Secrets of Smell.” Harvard University Gazette.
[4] Stewart, David, Ph.D., D.N.M. Healing Oils of the Bible. Care Publications. 2003. Page 32-33.
For more information, please visit Rebecca’s website http://HealWithOil.com.
How Essential Oils Work
Clinical research has discovered that essentials oils have the highest frequency of any natural substance. Electrical properties and charges of essential oils carry electrons or negative ions, which are healing and healthful. A healthy human body ranges from 62 to 68 MHz. The air breathed, food eaten, and other factors cause frequency levels to drop. Examples of the Taino Technology study reveal: At 58 MHz cold and flu symptoms may appear. At 55 MHz diseases like Candida and arthritis may take hold. At 42 MHz cancer may set in. At 25 MHz death begins. The essence or life-blood of the plant carries a live fre-quency—ranging from 52 MHz to 320 MHz. Using therapeutic grade essential oils on a daily basis keeps body frequencies at a healthy level, prevents disease, and even reverses damage. Research has shown that the number one cause for depres-sion is the loss of oxygen around the pineal and pituitary glands. They have also discovered that with careful application of these oils to the soles of the feet, it enables the oil to reach every cell in the body within 20 minutes. This may be why people in biblical times lived so long. Principal essential oils contain various constituents, including these three compounds: phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, and monoterpenes. These three constituents are unique to essential oils and are produced naturally by the plant with the intelligence and capacity to do the following: Phenylpropanoids – cleanse the receptor sites. Sesquiterpenes – erase the incorrect information in the DNA or cellular memory. Monoterpenes – reprogram the cellular intelligence back to God’s original plan with correct information. Sesquiterpenes carry oxygen to the brain and stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands. Three of the four oils in the world with the highest known concentration of sesquiterpenes are biblical oils: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, and Spikenard.
For more information on the Biblical Healing Essential Oils, please visit Rebecca’s website http://HealWithOil.com.
Healing Oils of the Bible
Twelve of the most highly-praised fragrances are presented in Holy Scripture. These include: Spikenard, Galbanum, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cypress, Cedarwood, Aloes/Sandalwood, Rose of Sharon, Cassia/Cinnamon, Hyssop, Onycha, and Myrtle. While some perfumers have used these names to label their own formulas, only the attributes of the biblical oils that are pure, therapeutic grade essential oils from all over the world will be discussed.
Aromatic plants, herbs and oils have been used for incense, perfume, culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years by many cultures. Since ancient times, spices and oils have been an integral part of the Hebraic culture. The Bible mentions over 33 species of fragrant plants with over 1,035 references to essential oils and/or plants in the Old and New Testaments.
People of the Holy Land understood the use of essential oils in maintaining wellness and physical healing, as well as the oils’ ability to enhance their spiritual state in worship, prayer and confession, and for cleansing and purification from sin. During biblical times, essential oils were inhaled, applied to the body, and taken internally in which the benefits extended to every aspect of their being.
Most Jewish households employed essential oils for medicinal and household purposes. One example in Scripture is the parable Yeshua told of the Good Samaritan who was carrying oil and wine and helped the injured man that had been robbed and left for dead.
Essential oils can be emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically healing and transform diseased tissue into thriving, healthy cells. Unfortunately, people today have become dependent upon and rely heavily upon medicine. In many cases it helps, but for most their faith has been placed in doctors instead of God. In an article entitled “Death by Medicine,” published by Nutrition Institute of America, four doctors stated that almost 800,000 deaths occur each year due to drug interaction.[1]
The Scriptures show that God gave natural herbs, including their extracts, for medicines. Ezekiel 47:12 reads:
“And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.”
And in Revelation 22:2, it reads:
“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
Fragrances of the Bible come from plant essences or the life-blood of the plant. The two types of oils plants make are essential and fatty. Most seeds contain both types of oils. Essential oils circulate within a plant to carry out its function as a living creation, while the fatty oils remain in the seed where they serve as food for the young plant, as God intended. Fragrant essential oils are also how they communicate to the rest of the animal kingdom and mankind. Plants use their odors to attract insects and animals to pollinate, with fragrances disappearing within 30 minutes of being pollinated.
For perfumers, this is important when extracting oils from flowers. When extracting, it is crucial to do it at the right time before the desired aromatic essential oil has been chemically altered.
While fatty vegetable oil from the seed serves as nourishment for the small plant, it cannot enter the blood stream nor cross the blood-brain barrier. The molecules of fatty oils are too large to evaporate and circulate through the tissues of the body. Their uses in aromatherapy are for providing a neutral lipid base in which essential oils can be blended and/or diluted for massage use when an essential oil is too strong.[2]
Essentials oils were God’s original medicine, created on the third day. When God created these plants, His word went forth in power creating life and continues to create life in the life-blood of the plant, which is the oil. Genesis 1:12-13 says:
“And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.”
[1] Null, Gary, MD, Martin Feldman, MD, Deborah Rasio, MD, and Dorothy Smith, Ph.D. “Death by Medicine.” Nutrition Institute of America. October 2003.
[2] Stewart, David, Ph.D., D.N.M. The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple: God’s love manifest in molecules. Care Publications. 2005. Page 59.
Excerpt taken from Rebecca Totilo’s book, HEALING OILS OF ANCIENT SCRIPTURE. Book is available with a 2-DVD set for $39.99 on http://HealWithOil.com.
Spiritual Significance of Pomegranate in the Bible
Pomegranate
And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about.
— Exodus 28:33
Highly esteemed by Israelites, the pomegranate was believed to be the “original forbidden fruit” in the Garden of Eden. It was also one of the seven species brought back by the spies to show how fertile the Promised Land was. Carved figures of the pomegranate were principal ornaments adorning stately columns and pillars in Solomon’s temple as well as worn on the High Priests garments symbolizing life.
The Hebrew word for “pomegranate” is Ramam, which means “to rise up” or “to be mounted up.”
In Song of Solomon 4:3, Solomon describes his bride’s “temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.”
Solomon uses the pomegranate theme for her temples to show fertility of the mind, where good seed is planted and a harvest is sure. Her thoughts are on what is pure, lovely, and of good report. She is the true bride, with the mental state that matches the King’s. Here the Holy Spirit finds a welcome depository for “things that are to come.”
Here the words of Yeshua are quickly brought to mind. She has the mind of Christ.
The pomegranate fruit, in relation to our temples, signifies that it is now the “fruit of the Spirit” that controls our lives (mounts or raises us up or above) rather than the lust of the flesh. The phrase “within thy locks” shows that she bears spiritual fruit that is veiled and hidden from the world for only the Lord to behold.
Some interpreters believe the reference to pomegranates is a symbol of fertility. On a holy theme, greater significance might point to the use of the pomegranate as it relates to the skirt of the high priest. At the bottom of the high priest’s robe were pomegranates interspersed with bells. With every step, the ringing of bells with the symbol for “fertility of life” bore witness to sight and sound to declare life. Life and abundance characterizes the Savior’s bride.
For more information about the spiritual significance of the fragrances of the bible, visit our website at http://www.healwithoil.com or purchase a copy of Rebecca’s book, The Fragrance of the Bride online at bookstores everywhere.
Spiritual Significance of Cassia in the Bible
Cassia
And of cassia five hundred [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive a hin.
— Exodus 30:24
Cassia, considered an inferior plant to the other species in the laurel family, is mentioned in the book of Exodus as part of the holy anointing oil. The Hebrew word for “cassia” is Qiddah, which is similar to the word meaning “to bow down” or “to pay homage.” “Homage” in Scripture means to honor another by bending low in deep respect.
Yeshua said, “I honor My Father… I seek not mine own glory” in John 8:49-50.
Like cassia, Yeshua was considered lowly and honored the Father in everything He did. The leaders considered Him of little account because He came from Nazareth, but His Father glorified Him as mentioned in John 8:54: “Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God.”
As His bride, we are to be humble toward all people. And, as Yeshua, we are to bow down in homage to the Heavenly Father alone.
For more information about the spiritual significance of the fragrances of the bible, visit our website at http://www.healwithoil.com or purchase a copy of Rebecca’s book, The Fragrance of the Bride online at bookstores everywhere.
Spiritual Significance of Myrrh in the Bible
“A bundle of myrrh is my well beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. Song of Solomon 1:13 KJV
Fragrances and herbs mentioned in the Holy Scriptures are physically enriching as well as rich with spiritually symbolism. Each represents the virtues and characteristics of Yeshua’s perfection and what He desires in the bride of Messiah.
We see the revelation of spices and fragrances in Song of Solomon 1:13. In the bride’s response to the King, her statement reflects a popular custom of laying a bundle of myrrh on one’s chest while sleeping, as a beauty treatment in preparation for a wedding.
The Hebrew word for Myrrh is Mowr which means distilled and comes from the root word Marar which means bitterness.
During the Messiah’s final agonizing hours in the Garden of Gethsemane, the weight of the world’s sins crushed our Savior like a wine press, causing Him to sweat great tears of blood. His bitter sufferings can be compared to Myrrh, a highly-prized spice used for perfumes and incense, extracted by piercing the tree’s heartwood and allowing the gum to trickle out and harden into bitter, aromatic red droplets called, “tears.” When the myrrh flows from the tree, it is distilled in bitterness.
As joint heirs with the Messiah, we are to share in His afflictions according to 2 Corinthians 1:5, so that His bride can be triumphant through the bitterness of suffering. Myrrh represents the bitter sufferings of Yeshua as a man on earth, whereby He learned obedience unto death by emptying himself of His own will (Hebrews 5:8, Philippians 2:7-8).
As His bride, just as the disciples did, we must follow Yeshua in denying one’s own will so as to obey Him (Matthew 16:24 – 25).
Myrrh signifies the bitter sufferings of Yeshua at Calvary. The Scriptures says in Isaiah 53:5:
“He was pierced through for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.”
In the book of Esther we learn how Hadassah (Esther’s real Hebrew name, which means Myrtle) underwent almost a year of beauty treatments with spices and cosmetics to make her desirable for the King. Esther was prepared with the help of an Eunuch (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) that provided her with the oil of Myrrh. In the way Esther was prepared, the Spirit provides His betrothed with the oil of Myrrh which allows us to share in His sufferings. Philippians 3:10 tells us:
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”
The Scriptures also tell us to rejoice in these trials, though. Colossians 1:24 says:
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body in filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.”
As part of the body of Messiah, we too, will bear its portion of affliction, as part of Him. However, since the bride is considered the “second Eve” like her, we have been taken out of the side of the “last Adam” and will be taken to a place of protection during the final hours of Jacob’s trouble.
In fact, when the Messiah returns for His bride, we will actually “smell” His coming because His garments have been soaked in these fragrances in the midst of throne room. Revelation 8:3-4 tells us that the original altar of incense continues to be used before the throne of God in Heaven. Psalms 45:8 describes Yeshua’s garments:
“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.”
These spices are emitted in our lives when we cloth ourselves with righteous acts and deeds as the bride of Christ and spend quality time with Him. Just like when a spouse or good friend greets you with a hug and is wearing a cologne or perfume. There fragrance tends to linger with you after they are gone. So, it is with Yeshua. People will begin to recognize there is something different about you when you have been in His presence. Hebrews 1:8-9 affirms that this Psalm refers to the marriage of Yeshua.
In the next chapter, we will continue to study the other spices that make up the formula of the “fragrance of Christ to our Heavenly Father” as mentioned in the Old Testament and again in 2 Corinthians 2:15:
“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish….”
