Lign aloes, also known as aloeswood or agarwood, is a fragrant wood mentioned in the Bible, noted for its aromatic properties and use in perfumes and incense. The term "lign aloes" is derived from the Hebrew word "ahalim" or "ahaloth," which refers to the wood of the Aquilaria tree, native to Southeast Asia. This wood becomes highly valuable when it becomes infected with a specific mold, resulting in a dark, resinous heartwood that is prized for its rich fragrance.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 24:6 : In Balaam's oracle, the beauty and prosperity of Israel are likened to the lushness of gardens and the fragrance of aloes: "Like palm groves that stretch out, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters."

2. Psalm 45:8 : The psalmist describes the royal garments of the king, emphasizing the luxurious and fragrant nature of his attire: "All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad."

3. Proverbs 7:17 : In a passage warning against the seduction of the adulterous woman, the allure of her bed is described with the use of spices: "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon."

4. Song of Solomon 4:14 : The beloved is compared to a garden filled with exotic and precious plants, including aloes: "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, lign aloes was highly valued for its aromatic qualities and was often used in the preparation of perfumes, incense, and embalming materials. The wood was considered a luxury item, often associated with royalty and wealth. Its inclusion in biblical texts highlights its significance and the esteem in which it was held.

The use of lign aloes in biblical imagery often symbolizes prosperity, beauty, and divine blessing. Its fragrance is associated with the presence of God and the anointing of kings, as seen in the references to royal garments and the descriptions of the beloved in the Song of Solomon.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the Bible, the mention of aloes often carries symbolic meaning, representing the richness and abundance of God's creation. The imagery of aloes planted by the LORD, as in Numbers 24:6, suggests divine care and the flourishing of God's people under His guidance. The use of aloes in the context of royal garments and the beloved's garden underscores themes of love, beauty, and the divine favor bestowed upon individuals and nations.

The inclusion of aloes in the preparation of perfumes and incense also points to the importance of worship and the offering of one's best to God. The fragrant aroma of aloes serves as a metaphor for the pleasing nature of a life lived in accordance with God's will, reflecting the beauty and holiness that believers are called to embody.Lign Aloes

[ALOES, LIGN ALOES]

174. ahalim -- the aloe (a tree)
... Or (feminine) ahalowth {a-haw-loth'} (only used thus in the plural); of foreign
origin; aloe wood (ie Sticks) -- (tree of lign-) aloes. 173, 174. ...
/hebrew/174.htm - 6k

Balaam
... As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees
of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiv balaam.htm

Dr. Beardsley's Address.
... As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees
of lign-aloes which the Lord hath planted." It is becoming also on this ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/dr beardsleys address.htm

The Witness of Balaam to Israel
... As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river side, As lign-aloes
which the LORD hath planted, As cedar trees beside the waters. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii the witness of balaam.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... Moab. As the trees of lign aloes which the Lord had planted, and as cedar
trees beside the waters, were their tents. Quietly and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

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