Connect Song of Solomon 3:6 to other biblical references of fragrance and offerings. Fragrant procession from the wilderness “Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense from all the merchant’s finest spices?” (Songs 3:6) Immediate picture • A regal entourage rises from the desert, its movement marked by a tall plume of aromatic smoke. • Myrrh and frankincense—prized in Israel’s worship—saturate the scene, turning an ordinary journey into a fragrant act of devotion. • The verse blends earthly romance with covenant worship, linking the bridegroom’s arrival to the sweet-smelling sacrifices offered to the LORD. Myrrh and frankincense in Israel’s worship • Exodus 30:22-25, 34-35—both spices anchor the holy anointing oil and temple incense. • Leviticus 2:1-2—frankincense tops every grain offering. • Leviticus 16:12-13—incense fills the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement. • The column of smoke in Songs 3:6 mirrors these temple plumes, showing worship and love interwoven. Aroma acceptable to the LORD • Genesis 8:21—Noah’s burnt offering becomes a “pleasing aroma” that moves God’s heart. • Leviticus 1:9; Numbers 15:3—each burnt offering ascends as “a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” • Psalm 141:2—“May my prayer be set before You like incense.” • Songs 3:6 echoes the same upward motion: smoke, scent, acceptance. Prophetic hints toward Christ • Matthew 2:11—wise men present “gold and frankincense and myrrh,” worshiping the newborn King. • John 19:39—His burial is wrapped in “a mixture of myrrh and aloes,” completing the fragrant narrative. • Ephesians 5:2—“Christ…gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” • Songs 3:6’s lavish spices foreshadow the supreme offering: the Savior whose sacrifice is forever pleasing. Believers as fragrant offerings • 2 Corinthians 2:14-15—God “spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him…we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ.” • Philippians 4:18—generous giving is “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice.” • Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4—bowls of incense are “the prayers of the saints,” continually rising like Songs 3:6’s smoke. Putting it all together Song of Solomon 3:6 captures more than a romantic moment; it gathers the whole biblical story of pleasing fragrance: • Old-covenant sacrifices ascending in smoke. • Prophetic spices pointing to Messiah’s birth, death, and burial. • New-covenant believers whose worship, prayers, and sacrificial love rise as incense before God. The fragrance motif is God’s way of showing that devoted love—whether in temple, wilderness, or daily life—always reaches His throne and delights His heart. |
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