Why are gold, frankincense, myrrh key?
Why are gold, frankincense, and myrrh significant?

Introduction

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh appear in Scripture as precious gifts presented to the Child Jesus by the Magi. Their mention immediately draws interest because of their unique roles in biblical history, worship, and Middle Eastern trade. In Matthew 2:11, we read: “On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” This passage reveals not only the reverence shown by the Magi, but also the deeper symbolism of these gifts.

Below is a comprehensive exploration of why these substances hold such significance in the biblical record and in wider historical discussion.


Historical Background of Precious Gifts

These three items—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were luxury goods in the ancient Near East. Gold was, and continues to be, treasured for its rarity and purity. Frankincense and myrrh were highly valuable aromatic resins native to regions including southern Arabia (modern-day Yemen and Oman), Northeast Africa, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Ancient trade routes, such as the Incense Route, passed through harsh desert terrain to bring frankincense and myrrh to major centers, underpinning their status as lucrative commodities. Egyptian medical texts, as well as Greek and Roman writings (including references by ancient authors), also confirm that these resins were deeply prized for both their fragrant and medicinal properties.

When the Magi arrived with these gifts, they offered items that were not only prestigious but deeply connected to worship, healing, and royal ceremonies in many cultures.


Gold: Element of Kingship and Royalty

Gold’s significance spans the entire Bible. In the Old Testament, gold adorns sacred objects such as the Ark of the Covenant and the furnishings in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:11). It symbolizes purity, holiness, and the royal majesty that God Himself possesses.

1. Royal Connotation: Throughout Scripture, gold is associated with kings and kingdoms (cf. 1 Kings 10:2, highlighting the lavish gold given to Solomon by the Queen of Sheba). By presenting gold to Jesus, the Magi implicitly acknowledge His kingship and status above earthly monarchs.

2. Symbol of Divine Value: Gold’s enduring quality—resistant to corrosion—reflects the imperishable nature of the One they came to honor (Revelation 1:5–6, alludes to Christ’s eternal reign). Thus, gold testifies to Jesus’ enduring worthiness to be worshiped.


Frankincense: Symbol of Divine Worship

Frankincense is a resin obtained from the Boswellia tree. In biblical times, priests burned frankincense on the altar as part of the sacred incense mixture (cf. Exodus 30:34–36).

1. Integral to Temple Worship: Frankincense figured prominently in Old Testament worship (Leviticus 2:1–2). Its sweet aroma rising from the altar symbolizes prayers ascending to God (Revelation 5:8, describes golden bowls full of incense as "the prayers of the saints").

2. Recognition of Deity: By giving frankincense to Jesus, the Magi honor His divine nature. Frankincense underscores that true worship—both old and new—finds its ultimate focus in the Christ.


Myrrh: Foreshadowing of Suffering and Death

Myrrh, a resin that comes from the Commiphora tree, was widely used in the ancient world both as perfume and in embalming. It appears numerous times in Scripture:

1. Old Testament Usage: Myrrh was one component of the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23). It speaks of anointing, which signifies consecration to God’s work or service.

2. Prophetic Sign of Sacrifice: In the New Testament, myrrh features at Jesus’ crucifixion when He is offered wine mixed with myrrh (Mark 15:23). John 19:39–40 describes how Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus’ body after His death. The Magi’s gift of myrrh to the Child prophesies His future suffering, crucifixion, and burial, indicating the sacrificial dimension of His mission.

3. Symbol of Healing and Preservation: Myrrh’s preservative qualities also point to the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice, which saves and preserves for eternal life.


Prophetic and Theological Significance

From a broader scriptural perspective, these gifts align with Messianic expectations. Although the Old Testament does not list these three gifts together in a single prophecy, we do see passages like Isaiah 60:6, which mentions nations bringing “gold and frankincense” in tribute, foreshadowing a scene where gifts from afar pay homage to God’s anointed.

Theologically, this triad—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—captures Jesus’ identity as King (symbolized by gold), God Incarnate deserving of worship (symbolized by frankincense), and the suffering Servant who would die for humanity (symbolized by myrrh).


Archaeological and Cultural Corroboration

Archaeological findings in regions associated with the ancient spice trade confirm the extensive use and high valuation of frankincense and myrrh. Excavations along the Incense Route (particularly in southern Arabia) reveal caravan remains, temple artifacts, and inscriptions documenting these commodities.

Likewise, documented trade between kingdoms in the Arabian Peninsula and lands such as Israel and Syria provides cultural context for how foreign visitors would have access to these goods and would regard them as eminently suitable gifts for a new King.

Gold artifacts discovered in the Middle East—from ancient burial sites to temple furnishings—further illustrate how gold was reserved for the most exalted of contexts, reinforcing the biblical depiction of gold as a gift befitting the birth of a royal figure.


Devotional Reflection

When considered together, gold, frankincense, and myrrh present a multidimensional homage to Jesus. The gifts not only show the Magi’s reverence but serve as reminders of who He is:

King: Worthy of tribute and allegiance.

God: Deserving of worship and prayerful devotion.

Savior: Destined to suffer and die, thereby bringing salvation.

Their significance endures for believers, as each element guides us to reflect on the fullness of Christ’s identity, ministry, and sacrifice.


Conclusion

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh stand as unique testimonies to the worth and mission of Jesus. Historically precious, they symbolize royalty, worship, and sacrificial death—encapsulating Jesus as the King of kings, divine Son of God, and Suffering Servant. Every believer can glean deep theological insight from these gifts, seeing that they align consistently with the prophecies, worship practices, and redemptive narrative woven throughout Scripture. They remain an enduring illustration of how God orchestrates even the smallest details to confirm the identity of the Messiah—an identity central to faith and salvation.

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