Topical Encyclopedia
Balsam, a term often associated with aromatic resins and plants, holds significant historical and biblical importance. In the Bible, balsam is frequently mentioned in the context of trade, wealth, and healing, reflecting its value in ancient times.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 37:25 · The earliest mention of balsam in the Bible occurs in the account of Joseph. As Joseph's brothers sat down to eat, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, "Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way down to Egypt." . Here, "balm" is often understood to refer to balsam, highlighting its role as a valuable trade commodity.
2.
Jeremiah 8:22 · The prophet Jeremiah laments the spiritual and physical ailments of his people, asking, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" . This rhetorical question underscores the renowned healing properties of the balsam from Gilead, a region famous for its production of this precious resin.
3.
Ezekiel 27:17 · In a passage describing the extensive trade network of Tyre, the prophet Ezekiel notes, "Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, meal, honey, oil, and balm for your merchandise." . This reference again emphasizes the economic significance of balsam as a traded good.
Historical and Cultural Context:Balsam, particularly the variety known as "balm of Gilead," was a highly prized resin in the ancient Near East. It was extracted from the balsam tree, which grew abundantly in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. The resin was used for a variety of purposes, including as a perfume, incense, and medicinal ointment. Its healing properties made it a sought-after remedy for wounds and ailments, contributing to its symbolic representation of healing and restoration in biblical literature.
The trade of balsam was a lucrative enterprise, with the resin being exported to Egypt, Tyre, and other parts of the ancient world. Its value was such that it was often included among the gifts and tributes exchanged between kingdoms and was considered a luxury item.
Symbolism and Theological Significance:In the Bible, balsam is more than just a physical substance; it carries rich symbolic meaning. The "balm of Gilead" is often invoked as a metaphor for divine healing and comfort. The rhetorical question posed by Jeremiah, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" speaks to the longing for spiritual and physical restoration that only God can provide. This imagery has resonated throughout Christian thought and hymnody, symbolizing Christ as the ultimate healer of humanity's wounds.
The use of balsam in anointing and religious rituals further underscores its sacred significance. Anointing with oil, often infused with balsam, was a practice used to consecrate priests, kings, and sacred objects, signifying the presence and blessing of God.
In summary, balsam in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of trade, healing, and divine grace. Its historical and cultural importance is woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, reflecting its enduring legacy in the spiritual and material life of the ancient world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A fragrant ointment used as medication; a balm; a resin containing more or less of an essential or volatile oil.
2. (n.) A species of tree (Abies balsamea).
3. (n.) An annual garden plant (Impatiens balsamina) with beautiful flowers; balsamine.
4. (n.) Anything that heals, soothes, or restores.
5. (v. t.) To treat or anoint with balsam; to relieve, as with balsam; to render balsamic.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BALSAMAlex. Macalister
Strong's Hebrew
1314. bosem -- spice,balsam, thebalsam tree... 1313, 1314. bosem. 1315 . spice,
balsam, the
balsam tree. Transliteration:
bosem Phonetic Spelling: (beh'-sem) Short Definition: spices.
...1057. baka --balsam tree
... 1056, 1057. baka. 1058 .balsam tree. Transliteration: baka Phonetic Spelling:
(baw-kaw') Short Definition: trees. Word Origin from...
6875. tsori -- (a kind of)balsam
... 6874, 6875. tsori or tseri or tsori. 6876 . (a kind of)balsam. Transliteration:
tsori or tseri or tsori Phonetic Spelling: (tser-ee') Short Definition: balm...
1313. basam -- spice
... Word Origin the same as bosem, qv. spice From an unused root meaning to be fragrant;
(compare cam) thebalsam plant -- spice. see HEBREW cam. 1312, 1313....
Library
The Return of the Holy Family from Egypt
... All was now green here, and the stream from the spring encircled a garden, surrounded
on all four sides (except for the entrance) by a hedge ofbalsam shrubs....
Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... plain over against Jericho. This city is a very happy situation, and very fit
for producing palm-trees andbalsam. And now the Israelites...
Book 8 Footnotes
... [17] Some blame Josephus for supposing that thebalsam tree might be first brought
out of Arabia, or Egypt, or Ethiopia, into Judea, by this queen of Sheba...
Whether Olive Oil is a Suitable Matter for this Sacrament?
... For this sacrament is ordained immediately to the state of incorruption. Now
incorruption is signified bybalsam which is contained in chrism....
The views of Redemption Entertained by These Heretics.
... who liveth." Then the bystanders add these words, "Peace be to all on whom this
name rests." After this they anoint the initiated person withbalsam; for they...
In Judaea
... Its palm-groves and gardens of roses, but especially itsbalsam-plantations, of
which the largest was behind the royal palace, were the fairy land of the old...
In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the...
... Paradise. Antony had bestowed the revenues of itsbalsam-plantations as an
Imperial gift upon Cleopatra, who in turn sold them to Herod....
The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... terebinth juice into the water. This is like a white treacly oil, very
refreshing but not so delicate asbalsam. She gave up all...
The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... themselves here with fruit and little loaves of bread which they had with them,
and drank water from the spring near by, mixing it withbalsam which Joseph had...
Change not Always Improvement.
... hide of such a beast, unless after long softening and smoothening down and
deodorization (which in Omphale's house, I hope, was effected bybalsam and fenugreek...
Thesaurus
Balsam (10 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) Anything that heals, soothes, or restores. 5. (vt) To treat or anoint with
balsam; to relieve, as with
balsam; to render balsamic. Int.
...BALSAM. Alex.
...Balsam-trees (1 Occurrence)
Balsam-trees.Balsam,Balsam-trees. Baltasar . Multi-Version
ConcordanceBalsam-trees (1 Occurrence). Psalms 84:6 Going...
Balm (7 Occurrences)
... (2.) There is another Hebrew word, basam_ or _bosem, from which our word "balsam,"
as well as the corresponding Greek balsamon, is derived....
Spices (64 Occurrences)
... They were used in the obsequies of kings (2 Chronicles 16:14) and in preparation
of a bride for a royal marriage (Esther 2:12, "sweet-odors" =balsam)....
Spice (25 Occurrences)
... They were used in the obsequies of kings (2 Chronicles 16:14) and in preparation
of a bride for a royal marriage (Esther 2:12, "sweet-odors" =balsam)....
Myrrh (22 Occurrences)
... What was meant by this word is uncertain. It has been thought to be the chestnut,
mastich, stacte,balsam, turpentine, pistachio nut, or the lotus.... SeeBALSAM....
Trees (179 Occurrences)
... mul'-ber-i, (bekha'im; Septuagint apioi, "pear trees" (2 Samuel 5:23; 1 Chronicles
14:14, margin "balsam-trees"; Psalm 84:6, the King James Version "Baca...
Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... mul'-ber-i, (bekha'im; Septuagint apioi, "pear trees" (2 Samuel 5:23; 1 Chronicles
14:14, margin "balsam-trees"; Psalm 84:6, the King James Version "Baca...
Baca (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Baca, Valley of. (Psalm 84:6; RV, "valley of weeping, "
marg., "orbalsam trees"), probably a valley in some part of Palestine, or...
Ladanum (2 Occurrences)
... and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites came
from Gilead; and their camels bore tragacanth, andbalsam, and ladanum...
Resources
What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the balm of Gilead? | GotQuestions.orgBalsam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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