Lexical Summary mirqachath: Ointment, perfume, spice mixture Original Word: מִרְקַחַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prepared by the apothecaries' art, compound, ointment From raqach; an aromatic unguent; also an unguent-pot -- prepared by the apothecaries' art, compound, ointment. see HEBREW raqach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raqach Definition an ointment mixture NASB Translation mixing (1), mixture (1), perfumers'* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִרְקַ֫חַת noun feminine 1. ointment-mixture. 2 ointment-pot (?); — 1 absolute ׳רֹקְחֵי הַמּ 1 Chronicles 9:30; ׳רֹקַח מ Exodus 30:25. 2 ׳בְּמ2Chronicles 16:14 in an ointment-pot (?), or as an ointment-mixture. Topical Lexicon Form and Senseמִרְקַחַת (mirqachath) denotes a blended, perfumed unguent prepared by skilled apothecaries. The term always appears in ritual or honorific contexts, never for casual cosmetics. Its nuance is that of a carefully compounded mixture whose fragrance fills sacred or royal space. Biblical Occurrences “Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.” “Some of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the spices.” 2 Chronicles 16:14 (twice) In the burial of King Asa the compound is mentioned two times, underscoring the abundance of perfume used to honor the deceased monarch. Cultic Function in the Tabernacle The inaugural appearance in Exodus is within the instructions for the holy anointing oil. The mixture sanctified the Tent of Meeting, the furnishings, and the priests, setting them apart for Yahweh’s exclusive service. Because of its sacred purpose, it was forbidden for ordinary Israelites to replicate it (Exodus 30:32-33). Thus mirqachath embodies the principle that what God consecrates must remain distinct. Levitical Stewardship By the time of David and Solomon, designated priestly families maintained the art of compounding. 1 Chronicles 9:30 shows this task continuing after the exile, indicating that careful liturgical preservation survived national upheaval. The ongoing assignment to specific clans highlights continuity in worship and accountability in ministry roles. Royal and Funerary Honor 2 Chronicles 16:14 records that Judah accorded King Asa an extravagant funeral, laying him “on a bier covered with spices and various blends of perfumes.” The double use of mirqachath portrays lavish respect. Such usage reflects Near-Eastern custom: a sovereign deserved a fragrance befitting his dignity even in death. The Chronicler’s notice also reminds readers that piety and earthly honor may coexist. Historical Preparation Ancient apothecaries combined imported resins (myrrh, frankincense), aromatics (cinnamon, cassia, calamus), and base oils (usually pressed olives). Heat or maceration extracted scents; then the compound matured to deepen its bouquet. Because ingredients were costly and skills specialized, mirqachath symbolized value, expertise, and intentionality in worship. Theological Significance 1. Sanctification: The perfumed oil teaches that consecration engages every sense. The fragrance penetrating the sanctuary dramatizes holiness permeating life. Prophetic and Christological Connections Psalm 45:7-8 celebrates Messiah: “God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy… All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.” The vocabulary echoes Exodus 30 and suggests that mirqachath ultimately points to the Anointed One. Paul later applies fragrance imagery to believers: “For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). As the consecrated oil once marked priests and kings, the Spirit now seals the church, producing a witness that spreads “the fragrance of the knowledge of Him” (2 Corinthians 2:14). Ministry Implications • Worship should engage heart, mind, and senses, reflecting the excellence seen in God’s own prescriptions. Summary Mirqachath threads through Scripture as a fragrant testimony to consecration, continuity, and covenant hope—spanning Sinai’s sanctuary, Israel’s priesthood, a king’s burial, and ultimately finding fulfillment in the anointing and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations בְּמִרְקַ֣חַת במרקחת הַמִּרְקַ֖חַת המרקחת מְרֻקָּחִ֖ים מִרְקַ֖חַת מרקחים מרקחת bə·mir·qa·ḥaṯ bemirKachat bəmirqaḥaṯ ham·mir·qa·ḥaṯ hammirKachat hammirqaḥaṯ mə·ruq·qā·ḥîm merukkaChim məruqqāḥîm mir·qa·ḥaṯ mirKachat mirqaḥaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 30:25 HEB: קֹ֔דֶשׁ רֹ֥קַח מִרְקַ֖חַת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה רֹקֵ֑חַ NAS: a perfume mixture, the work KJV: an ointment compound after the art INT: A holy A perfume mixture the art of a perfumer 1 Chronicles 9:30 2 Chronicles 16:14 2 Chronicles 16:14 4 Occurrences |
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