Scripture: Exodus 30:34-38 (NIV)

34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, 35 and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred. 36 Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you. 37 Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; consider it holy to the Lord. 38 Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.”

I don’t know about you, but I love Bath and Body Works.  I love their scented lotions, sprays, hand sanitizer, hand soaps and candles. I always know that come Christmas that I will get one of the above items as a gift, as a matter of fact I buy and give a lot as gifts at Christmas as well, and these gifts never disappoint. Perfumes can be overpowering if too much is used, if it is mixed with other scents and if used to cover up a body odor you already have.

In the Old Testament, perfumes and aromatic incenses held a significant place in worship and religious ceremonies. The Lord instructed Moses to create a sacred blend of fragrant spices to be used exclusively for His divine purposes. Each element of this aromatic concoction was selected with care, symbolizing various aspects of devotion and worship.

1. Frankincense: Among the most cherished perfumes in the Bible, frankincense represented the prayers and intercessions of God’s people. Just as the fragrant smoke of burning frankincense rises towards the heavens, our heartfelt prayers ascend to the throne of God (Psalm 141:2).

2. Myrrh: Myrrh, another precious perfume, symbolized suffering and death. It was used in the anointing of the deceased and foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would offer Himself as the ultimate atonement for our sins (Matthew 2:11, John 19:39).

3. Spikenard: In the New Testament, we encounter spikenard, a costly perfume, when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with it as an act of love and worship (John 12:3). In the Old Testament, this fragrant oil was used to consecrate priests and holy objects, representing devotion and consecration to God.

4. Cinnamon and Cassia: These sweet-smelling spices were prominent in the sacred blend of incense, reminding us of the sweetness of God’s presence. Just as cinnamon and cassia permeate the air with a delightful aroma, our lives should exude the fragrance of Christ to those around us (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

5. Onycha and Galbanum: These lesser-known ingredients in the sacred incense symbolize the unity of God’s people. The combination of diverse fragrances in one harmonious blend illustrates the beauty of a diverse yet unified body of believers, coming together in worship and devotion (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

Women also used fragrances for various purposes, including personal adornment, seduction, and as an expression of love and honor. The Bible provides glimpses of several perfumes and aromatic oils that women of that time cherished:

1. Spikenard: We already encountered spikenard in the New Testament when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet. However, in the Old Testament, it was also used as a cherished fragrance by women. The Song of Solomon makes reference to the beloved’s hair, which smells like “the scent of Lebanon” – possibly referring to the fragrance of spikenard (Song of Solomon 4:11).

2. Myrrh and Frankincense: These two perfumes were not limited to religious purposes alone. In the Song of Solomon, the bride’s lips are likened to a thread of scarlet, and her speech is sweet, like a combination of myrrh and frankincense (Song of Solomon 4:3).

3. Aloes: The book of Proverbs mentions aloes as one of the delightful spices that permeate the clothes of a noble wife (Proverbs 7:17). The pleasant aroma of aloes may have been used to attract and honor a potential spouse.

4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon, with its warm and comforting scent, was treasured for its aromatic qualities. It was not only used for incense but was also used in personal perfumes and fragrant oils.

5. Cedarwood: While predominantly used for religious purposes, cedarwood oil was also appreciated for its pleasant fragrance. It was likely used by women in their beauty rituals and for personal adornment.

6. Saffron: Saffron was highly valued in biblical times for its rich, golden color and exotic fragrance. It was often used to enhance the allure of perfumes and beauty products.

7. Alabaster Oil: Though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible as a specific perfume, we know from historical records that alabaster containers were used to hold precious oils and perfumes. In the New Testament, a woman poured an expensive alabaster jar of perfume on Jesus’ head as an act of extravagant worship (Matthew 26:6-13).

Women in biblical days appreciated the art of perfumery, and they would have carefully prepared and applied these fragrances to enhance their beauty, attract potential suitors, and express their love and devotion. The use of fragrances was a reflection of the cultural customs and practices of that era, often signifying the importance of certain occasions, such as weddings and special celebrations.

As we consider the significance of perfumes in biblical times, let us be reminded that just as these fragrances left a lasting impact, our lives should also leave a beautiful and lasting fragrance in the world. Through acts of kindness, love, and devotion to God and others, we can emit a sweet aroma that draws people to the beauty of Christ within us (2 Corinthians 2:15). May our lives be a fragrant offering to the Lord, pleasing and glorifying Him in all that we do.

Let us emulate the aromatic blend of the sacred incense in our lives – a combination of prayer, intercession, devotion, consecration, unity, and selfless love. Just as the Lord commanded that the incense formula be used exclusively for Him, may we also reserve our hearts and lives exclusively for His glory and service.