In biblical times, the term "apothecary" referred to individuals skilled in the preparation and compounding of perfumes, ointments, and medicinal substances. The role of the apothecary was significant in ancient Israelite society, as they were responsible for creating the sacred anointing oils and incense used in religious rituals and ceremonies.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 30:25, 35 : The apothecary's art is first mentioned in the context of the preparation of the holy anointing oil and incense. "Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil" (Exodus 30:25). The term "perfumer" here is synonymous with "apothecary," indicating the specialized skill required to create these sacred mixtures. Similarly, in verse 35, the incense is described as "a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy."

2. Ecclesiastes 10:1 : The apothecary's work is metaphorically referenced in this verse: "As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." This highlights the delicate nature of the apothecary's craft, where even a small impurity can ruin a carefully prepared mixture.

3. 1 Chronicles 9:30 : The Levites were entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the spices and ointments. "And some of the sons of the priests mixed the spices." This indicates that the apothecary's work was not only a skilled trade but also a sacred duty, often performed by those set apart for religious service.

Role and Significance:

The apothecary's role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and purity of the worship practices in ancient Israel. The anointing oil and incense were not merely aromatic substances but were imbued with spiritual significance, symbolizing the presence and blessing of God. The precise formulation and preparation of these substances were vital, as they were used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests themselves.

The apothecary's work required a deep understanding of the properties of various natural ingredients, including spices, resins, and oils. This knowledge was likely passed down through generations, ensuring that the sacred traditions were preserved.

Cultural Context:

In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, apothecaries were respected for their expertise in creating perfumes and medicinal remedies. The Israelites, however, distinguished their practices by dedicating the apothecary's art to the service of Yahweh, setting apart their work from the common practices of surrounding nations.

The apothecary's craft, as described in the Bible, underscores the importance of purity, precision, and dedication in the service of God. The meticulous preparation of anointing oils and incense serves as a reminder of the care and reverence required in worship and the offering of one's skills and talents to the divine.Rendered in the margin and the Revised Version "perfumer," in Exodus 30:25; 37:29; Ecclesiastes 10:1. The holy oils and ointments were prepared by priests properly qualified for this office. The feminine plural form of the Hebrew word is rendered "confectionaries" in 1 Samuel 8:13. (n.) One who prepares and sells prescription drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes.APOTHECARY

a-poth'-e-ka-ri: Found in English Versions of the Bible eight times in the Old Testament and Apocrypha for Hebrew word rendered more accurately "perfumer" by the Revised Version (British and American) in Exodus 30:25, 35; Exodus 37:29 Ecclesiastes 10:1; though inconsistently retained elsewhere (2 Chronicles 16:14 the English Revised Version; Nehemiah 3:8 the English Revised Version (compare the margin); Sirach 38:8; 49:1). See PERFUMER.

7546. raqqach -- ointment maker, perfumer
... perfumers (1). apothecary. From raqach; a male perfumer -- apothecary. see HEBREW
raqach. 7545, 7546. raqqach. 7547 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7546.htm - 6k

7543. raqach -- to mix or compound oil or ointment
... apothecary, compound, make ointment, prepare, spice. A primitive root; to perfume --
apothecary, compound, make (ointment), prepare, spice. 7542, 7543. ...
/hebrew/7543.htm - 6k

A Divine Cordial
... Several poisonous ingredients put together, being tempered by the skill of the
apothecary, make a sovereign medicine, and work together for the good of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/a divine cordial.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1564-1567
... preached by Knox. A French apothecary of the Queen's, and his mistress,
were hanged on a charge of murdering their child. {237a} On ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xvii knox and queen.htm

The Resurrection.
... You know that things which are candied by the art of the apothecary, are so swallowed
up with the sweetness and virtue of that in which they are candied, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxv the resurrection.htm

But the Important Point Here is Only that You Cannot Anyhow Get ...
... is a trifling and even a jocular question whether we say of this tremendous tormentor,
the artist Man, that he puts things into us like an apothecary, or draws ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 33 but the important.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram (Private)
... from a British Ambassador at Madrid instructions of an exactly contrary character;
but when dead flies fall into the ointment of the apothecary, they cause it ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 63.htm

That the Union of Our Will with the Good-Pleasure of God Takes ...
... How often have we turned in disgust from remedies and medicines when the doctor
or apothecary offered them, which, being offered by some well-beloved hand ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii that the union.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... measure, and contains two Athenian choas, or congiuses]; then mix them together,
and boil them, and prepare them after the art of the apothecary, and make them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

Beddome
... He was apprenticed to an apothecary in Bristol; but when he was twenty years of
age he was converted, and soon after began to prepare for the ministry. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/beddome.htm

Faith in General.
... of a surgical operation they would prefer a surgeon who in his simplicity only cuts
no matter where or how; or in case of sickness, an apothecary who simply ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiv faith in general.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... assemblies a spiritual incense altar, always smoking with "the pure incense of sweet
spices, mingled according to the art of the apothecary": the thanksgiving ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

Apothecary (4 Occurrences)
... purposes. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. APOTHECARY. a-poth ... PERFUMER.
Multi-Version Concordance Apothecary (4 Occurrences). Exodus 30 ...
/a/apothecary.htm - 9k

Confection (2 Occurrences)
... raqqahah, feminine "perfumer"): (1) "Confection" is found in the King James Version
only and but once "a confection after the art of the apothecary" (Exodus 30 ...
/c/confection.htm - 8k

Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound
after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil. ...
/o/ointment.htm - 18k

Offensive (15 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth
an offensive odor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom ...
/o/offensive.htm - 11k

Weightier (3 Occurrences)
... (WEY NIV). Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to
stink and ferment; so a little folly is weightier than wisdom and honour. ...
/w/weightier.htm - 7k

Incense (167 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A fragrant composition prepared by the "art of the
apothecary." It consisted of four ingredients "beaten small" (Exodus 30:34-36). ...
/i/incense.htm - 44k

Ferment (3 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to stink and ferment;
so a little folly is weightier than wisdom and honour. (DBY). ...
/f/ferment.htm - 7k

Tempered (7 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Exodus 30:35 And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the
art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: (KJV WBS). ...
/t/tempered.htm - 8k

Reputation (12 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth
a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom ...
/r/reputation.htm - 11k

Medicine (4 Occurrences)
... drugs. The apothecary mentioned in the King James Version (Exodus 30:25,
etc.) was a maker of perfumes, not of medicines. Among ...
/m/medicine.htm - 11k

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