Although myrrh may have these uses, it was probably not what the Magi intended it to mean. Myrrh in the Bible Myrrh frequently appears in the Old Testament, primarily as a sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon : Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. It seems like an odd gift to give to a baby. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2021, Christianity.com. At the time Jesus is thought to have been born, frankincense and myrrh may have been worth more than their weight in the third gift presented by … Spiritual significance of myrrh demonstrates the rich meaning of myrrh. Bitter to the taste but sweet to the smell, myrrh in the spiritual sense speaks of dying to self to become a "sweet smelling savor" to the Lord. If you do any work at all with magical aromatherapy, chances are good you’ve encountered the scent of myrrh at some point. In some forms of Eastern medicine, myrrh is used for its restorative properties. Song of Sol. China used myrrh for similar purposes – wound healing and to slow bleeding. The Symbolic and Spiritual Meaning of Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh A multitude of camels [from the eastern trading tribes] will cover you [Jerusalem], The young camels of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba [who once came to trade] will come Bringing gold and frankincense. Songs 3:6 In fact, you could argue that through their gift-giving, the Magi “preached” the gospel in a tangible way. Myrrh is very spiritual oil and has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals for over 5000 years ! According to this Bible Study Tools article, myrrh dates back to Exodus when the Israelites would use myrrh as a main ingredient in holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23). This article will dive into the history of myrrh in the Bible, some of its uses, and why it matters for Christians today. Myrrh represents Christ’s suffering—the gift of Myrrh by the Magi presages his death and entombment. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were, without a doubt, the richest of gifts that could be offered to a newborn king, but their significance lies not so much in their religious symbolism, nor in the fabulous wealth they represented. Myrrh was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, the tabernacle, and kings (see Exodus 30:23–25). What was true of the gold and frankincense is also true of the myrrh. The scent is said to boost the spirits and the soul, and is often used to alleviate the symptoms of nervous system disorders. Frankincense and myrrh anointing oil was also used for burial and purification rites. Back in temple days, incense containing myrrh and frankincense was placed on the altars of temples. Holy in Hebrew means “set apart and different from all others.” In the Hebrew culture it began as a practice for priests, but was later accepted for prophets and kings. It is mentioned several times in the Old and New Testaments. Longenecker. In this video, you will see what myrrh oil looks like and what it smells like. This article dives into the symbolism of the three gifts. Songs 1:13 HEB: צְר֨וֹר הַמֹּ֤ר ׀ דּוֹדִי֙ לִ֔י NAS: is to me a pouch of myrrh Which lies all night KJV: A bundle of myrrh [is] my wellbeloved INT: A pouch of myrrh my beloved between. The myrrh in this narrative had practical, medicinal uses and also had the purpose of embalming a loved one who passed away. While the Middle Eastern regions used myrrh ceremonially, the Far East was using it for healing purposes. The gift of myrrh = offering the service of our hands to Jesus. Myrrh is a fragrant spice derived from the sap of a tree native to the Near East. The Wise Men did not come when Jesus was lying in the manger In biblical times, myrrh was an important trade item obtained from Arabia, Abyssinia, and India. In the Gospel, according to Matthew 2:11, gold, (frank) incense and myrrh were the three gifts offered to Jesus by the Magi from East. Add myrrh to healing sachets for workings related to wellness. mor. The Magi traveled from an enormous distance, were of Gentile descent, and Mary and Joseph did not expect them to arrive during Jesus’ infancy. Queen Esther was bathed in Oil of Myrrh for six months and with other aloes and perfumes for another six months before her presentation to the king. Myrrh is one of the sacred incenses of the Bible. Top 25 Easter Bible Verses to Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Myrrh (/ m ɜːr /; from Aramaic, but see § Etymology) is a natural gum or resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. Priests usually burned it during the morning and evening. A product from Arabia, it had two main uses: perfume (Esther 2:12) and embalming (John 19:39). The scent is said to boost the spirits and the soul, and is often used to alleviate the symptoms of nervous system disorders. "Pure" is the Hebrew "derowr: meaning "flowing, to move rapidly, freedom, hence spontaneity of outflow, and so clear: liberty". First mentioned as a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil ( Exodus 30:23). Who Were the Wise Men of the Christmas Story? All rights reserved. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. That seems odd. Obviously, we shouldn’t learn to give any of our relatives and friends, who have babies, myrrh at Christmas. And proclaiming the praises of the Lord. myrrh meaning: 1. a sticky brown substance with a strong smell that is used in making perfume and incense (= a…. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Myrrh was used to make Ketoret, which was an incense blend consecrated and used in the early temples of Jerusalem. In the book of Matthew 2:11, it reads, “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Myrrh, an exotic biblical spice, was used in purification and beautification rites, in the formula for the Holy Anointing Oil, and in burial spices. Because of this, they are often used in rituals to help the sick. It is possible that the gold, frankincense and myrrh were chosen for their special spiritual symbolism about Jesus himself—gold representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming. Why Do We Sing Auld Lang Syne at the New Year? Both frankincense and myrrh have healing properties that can help people emotionally, vibrationally, and spiritually. They signify His role as Prophet and Priest, meaning all the work that He would do on humanity’s behalf. Second, they traveled a great distance to recognize Jesus’ sovereignty. In Kundalini, it is used to strengthen the bond between the crown (heaven) and base (Earth) chakras. Third, God can use the most unlikely people to remind us about him and the Gospel. The item comes full circle. This article dives into the symbolism of the three gifts. Second, gifts can often have multiple purposes. 1:13 Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”. It also helps you stay present and not worry about the future. NAS: my bed With myrrh, aloes KJV: my bed with myrrh, aloes, INT: have sprinkled my bed myrrh aloes and cinnamon. Myrrh was used to make Ketoret, which was an incense blend consecrated and used in the early temples of Jerusalem. Third, perhaps they gave these as a reminder about Jesus’ true calling on earth: to rescue sinners from their sins through his death and resurrection. It was the Phoenicians who imported this resin from Southern Arabia to Israel since the tree did not grow in those lands. Another great option? The gold represented Jesus’ kingship, the frankincense symbolized his role as a priest, and the myrrh alluded to his death. “Amber and myrrh, benzoin and musk condense Associated with purification and cleansing, you can use myrrh in a number of different ritual and magical contexts. In Jesus’ birth narrative, Magi, wise men from the East, approach him with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). God, our king (gold) would come to fulfill his priestly duties (frankincense) and die for our sins (myrrh). It formed part of the gifts brought by the wise men from the east, who came to worship the infant Jesus ( Matthew 2:11). Myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. Its possible, according to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales who have been studying the medical uses of frankincense. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. It’s also the same substance mixed in the wine they offer Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:23). What Is Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and Is It A Biblical Holiday? Myrrh. Aroma Hut Institute 3,896 views. God seldom uses a gift he has given us once. First, we need to remember the true meaning behind Christmas, and the purpose of Christ’s entry on earth. Use myrrh in incense blends such as Full Moon Incense or a fiery summer incense blend to burn at Litha or Beltane. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Because the scent is fairly strong, it’s often used in conjunction with other herbs or resins, like frankincense or sandalwood. The evangelist Mark says that Christ was offered wine mixed with Myrrh prior to … Possibly because it was an item that was sacred to the Hebrew people, and is described in the Tanakh and Talmud. (Matthew 2:11). 9:35. Heb. מוֹר, mor), one of the most important perfumes of ancient times.It is referred to 11 times in the Bible, more than any other perfume. Jesus came to earth to die. Nevertheless, the quantities of frankincense and myrrh the Arabians produced were huge. Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to … We shouldn’t take it that literally. But we can learn a great deal from the gifts of the Magi, especially myrrh. Learn more. Myrrh is the sap of the Commiphora trees that are also native to the region around the Gulf of Aden. The Magic, History, and Folklore of Sandalwood, How to Use Dragon's Blood in Magic and Ritual, 10 Magical Herbs to Use in Pagan Practice, Yule Craft Projects for the Winter Solstice. Perhaps the best known of these is in the Christian bible, where myrrh is described as one of the three gifts given by the Magi to the newborn baby Jesus. It symbolizes a quality of Jesus that effectively ministers to us when we are rejected and isolated by the unbelieving world. When it comes to magical uses, myrrh has a wide variety of applications. MYRRH (Heb. Alternative Medicine Expert Cathy Wong, MD, says. Myrrh is the anointing oil of God that sets us apart unto Him. Keep in mind that like many other essential oils, myrrh oil should not be used internally without the supervision of a healthcare professional. Myrrh had additional uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system. In some forms of Eastern medicine, myrrh is used for its restorative properties. In fact, when Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus go to bury Jesus, they bring myrrh for the embalming process (John 19). Similarly, our offerings to God in the form of prayers is the sweetest and is rich in the exotic aroma, only when we pray in deep pain. The benefits of Myrrh include the spiritual and emotional as well. It was a custom of the Jews to give those who were condemned to death by … These plants are healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level and more than simply symbols of the season. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. It is associated with the act of staying away from the evil. In addition to the resin, which is commonly used in spellwork and ritual, myrrh can be purchased as an oil as well. Myrrh had additional uses such as: fixing oral health, creating youthful skin and boosting the immune system. Spiritual Significance of Myrrh (Oils of the Bible) - Duration: 9:35. The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. Found in many aromatherapy practices, myrrh oil is used to aid with healing of coughs and colds, insomnia, pain relief, and stimulation of the immune system. Myrrh (pronounced "mur") is an expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and for anointing the dead. How Can I Identify Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament? While it may be easy to understand gold being a precious gift, in truth, frankincense and myrrh’s value far outweighs that of gold and extends far beyond biblical lore. This time of year, healing is often welcome for many -- it is cold and flu season, and added stress can … Even more interestingly, it’s mentioned as a fairly sensuous perfume in the Song of Solomon. But they reminded them about a greater truth. The gold represented Jesus’ kingship, the frankincense … Myrrh is used in a variety of ritual contexts. Myrrh also appears in the book of Exodus as one of the ingredients in the “oil of holy ointment,” and in the book of Esther as an item which was used in the purification of women. Myrrh can be used to make perfume, turned into oil, or used as medicine. Photo by: Fr. First, as mentioned here, they wanted to give practical gifts. Overview Information Myrrh is a sap-like substance (resin) that comes out of cuts in the bark of certain trees. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was common across ancient cultures, for general pleasure and as an analgesic. Myrrh releases fears, difficult experiences as it relates to us or the world. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Magickal Uses Of Frankincense & Myrrh | Spiritual Cleansing - Duration: 2:20. Mary and Joseph didn’t have many means and couldn’t afford gifts like this. Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back thousands of years, used myrrh for wound healing, digestive health, and to balance women’s issues. If you’re feeling stressed out, try this: burn some myrrh nearby to help relax and calm your nerves. You can also put it in a pouch and place it under your pillow, to bring about restful and peaceful sleep. According to this article, myrrh had a greater value than gold when Jesus was born. In fact, the possibilities are nearly endless. If you do any work at all with aromatherapy, chances are good you’ve encountered the scent of myrrh at some point. Magi present this gift to him at birth, he receives a taste of it right before he dies, and they embalm him in it. If someone who is ill can tolerate the scent, try placing some myrrh in a tin or bowl of water over a heat source, to create a scented atmosphere in the sickroom. In the Western world, myrrh sometimes is included as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, thanks to its analgesic properties. According to this article, myrrh had a greater value than gold when Jesus was born. May Support Oral Health. Why was it so important in the early books of the bible? – Isaiah 60:6 Myrrh in ancient Egypt was used to combat the unpleasant smell that was emitted from corpses. It was used in embalming ( John 19:39), also as a perfume ( Esther 2:12; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17). "Myrrh" is the Hebrew "mowr" meaning "as distilling in drops, and also as bitter". The Significance of Frankincense and Myrrh Anointing Oil. Myrrh is thought to unite heaven and Earth by awakening your awareness of the higher self. Were the gifts of the magi meant to save Jesus from the pain of arthritis? You can also blend myrrh into an incense to use for purifying sacred spaces, or to consecrate magical tools and other items. Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. The ancient church understood that the three types of gifts clearly symbolize three key aspects of Christ’s identity. 25 New Year Bible Verses to Renew Our Hope and Faith. Whether or not the wise men themselves understood the full spiritual significance of their gifts, for Christians today they symbolize offering our entire being, heart, head, and hands, to Jesus Christ. Although myrrh may have these uses, it was probably not what the Magi intended it to mean. The anointing of oil was an act that symbolized holiness. In some magical traditions, myrrh is incorporated into workings to break hexes and curses, or for protection against magical and psychic attack. Maybe we have people in our lives whom we would least expect to receive a reminder of the Gospel from. We can often fail to remember the true reason Christ came behind all the cultural add-ons we’ve implemented for this holiday. "A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me." You see, rejection by the world becomes nothing when we are accepted by God! Magi from the east. Why would the Magi unintentionally remind Mary and Joseph that they were to lose their son in, give or take, 30 years? “Garden Myrrh,” also called Sweet Cecily, is an unrelated herb akin to Anise. The frankincense presented to Jesus would have been the incense, and the myrrh would have been in the form of oil. It was used in the purification of Queen Esther (see Esther 2:12), and it was also used in embalming (see John 19:39). But God works in ways we cannot comprehend, and through some of the most unlikely of people. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was often used as an offering to the goddess Isis, so if you’re doing a ritual calling upon her for assistance, incorporate myrrh into your celebration. 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