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GOLD, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH Matthew 2:7-12Amplified Bible (AMP) 7 Then Herod sent for the wise men [astrologers] secretly, and [a]accurately to the last point ascertained from them the time of the appearing of the star [that is, [b]how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the east]. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search for the Child carefully and diligently, and when you have found [c]Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him. 9 When they had listened to the king, they went their way, and behold, the star which had been seen in the east [d] in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. 11 And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And [e]receiving an answer to their asking, they were divinely instructed
and warned in a dream not to go back to Herod; so they departed to their own country by a different way. Have you ever wondered why the Wise Men brought Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh as gifts for the birth of Jesus?
The traditional gifts of the magi—gold, frankincense and myrrh—may have had symbolic as well as practical value. Since the early days of Christianity, Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying interpretations of the meaning and significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh that the magi presented to Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew (2:11). These valuable items were standard gifts to honor a king or deity in the ancient world: gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil. In fact, these same three items were apparently among the gifts, recorded in ancient inscriptions, that King Seleucus II Callinicus offered to the god Apollo at the temple in Miletus
on Strata, “The Magi’s Gifts—Tribute or in 243 B.C.E. The Book of Isaiah, when Based Treatment?” describing Jerusalem’s glorious resto- Biblical Archaeology Review, January/ ration, tells of nations and kings who February 2012. will come and “bring gold and frankin- In last month’s article, I discussed the cense and shall proclaim the praise of Gold Process as well as the benefits of Gold in health. This month, let's look at the Lord” (Isaiah 60:6).
the health benefits of Frankincense and
“In addition to the honor and status im- Myrrh.(Discussed in Class#3 at Teacher’s plied by the value of the gifts of the Guild.) magi, scholars think that these three were chosen for their special spiritual The chart below lists many of the symbolism about Jesus himself—gold health benefits of Frankincense representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming—an interpretation made popular in the well-known Christmas carol “We Three Kings.” Still others have suggested that the gifts of the magi were a bit more practical— even medicinal in nature. Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated that frankincense has an active ingredient that can help relieve arthritis by inhibiting the inflammation that breaks down cartilage tissue and causes arthritis pain. The new study validates traditional uses of frankincense as an herbal remedy to treat arthritis in communities of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where the trees that produce this aromatic resin grow. Did the Magi “from the East” know of frankincense’s healing properties when they presented it to young Jesus?” – Excerpt from -
Definition of Frankincense(Heb. lebonah; Gr. libanos, i.e., "white"), an odorous resin imported from Arabia (Isa. 60:6; Jer. 6:20), yet also growing in Palestine (Cant. 4:14). It was one of the ingredients in the perfume of the sanctuary (Ex. 30:34), and was used as an accompaniment of the meat-offering (Lev. 2:1, 16; 6:15; 24:7). When burnt it emitted a fragrant odour, and hence the incense became a symbol of the Divine name (Mal. 1:11; Cant. 1:3) and an emblem of prayer (Ps. 141:2; Luke 1:10; Rev. 5:8; 8:3). (Continues next page...)
By: Eva ThomasJohnson
This frankincense, or olibanum, used by the Jews in the temple services is not to be confounded with the frankincense of modern commerce, which is an exudation of the Norway spruce fir, the Pinus abies. It was probably a resin from the Indian tree known to botanists by the name of Boswellia serrata or thurifera, which grows to the height of forty feet. – According to Bible Gateway. Frankincense Essential Oil is good for: The Immune System – when applied on wounds as an antiseptic and protects from developing infections Digestion – It speeds up digestive juices and helps move food through the intestines. This chart lists many of the health benefits of Myrrh
Definition of MyrrhHeb. mor. (1.) First mentioned as a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil (Ex. 30:23). It formed part of the gifts brought by the wise men from the east, who came to worship the infant Jesus (Matt. 2:11). It was used in embalming (John 19:39), also as a perfume (Esther 2:12; Ps. 45:8; Prov. 7:17). It was a custom of the Jews to give those who were condemned to death by crucifixion "wine mingled with myrrh" to produce insensibility. This drugged wine
Anti-aging – It helps eliminate age spots, remove micro-wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks and tones and lightens skin. Tonic – Boosts health and strengthens the immune system Diuretic – Helps you lose excess water weight and fats and removes various toxins from the body. Respiratory – it is an anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory meaning it relaxes the breathing passages and removes phlegm build up. Stress – when used with a diffuser and vaporizer it promotes relaxation. Wounds – Heals wounds faster and protects from infection when applied.
was probably partaken of by the two malefactors, but when the Roman soldiers pressed it upon Jesus "he received it not" (Mark 15:23). (See GALL.)- According to Bible Gateway. Myrrh Essential Oil is good for: (Note: It has similar health benefits as Frankincense) Antimicrobial/Antiviral – prevents microbes from growing thereby preventing infections Astringent – it strengthens gums, hair roots, stops hemorrhaging in wounds Expectorant – fights viral infections relieves congestion Antifungal – fights fungal infection Stimulant – stimulates pumping action of the heart, stimulates the brain and the nervous system Next Month – How The Bible was made