Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, ointments were commonly used for a variety of purposes, including medicinal, cosmetic, and burial practices. While some ointments held sacred significance, others were purely secular in nature, serving practical and everyday needs.Medicinal Use: Ointments in the ancient Near East were often used for their healing properties. They were typically made from a base of olive oil or other fats, mixed with aromatic herbs and spices. The use of ointments for healing is implied in several biblical passages. For instance, in Isaiah 1:6 , the prophet describes the nation of Israel metaphorically, saying, "From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Here, the absence of ointment is noted as a lack of care and healing. Cosmetic Use: Ointments were also used for personal grooming and beauty. In the book of Ruth, Naomi instructs Ruth to prepare herself before meeting Boaz: "Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes" (Ruth 3:3). The use of perfume here likely refers to anointing with a fragrant ointment, highlighting its role in personal adornment and social customs. Burial Practices: Ointments played a significant role in burial customs, as they were used to anoint bodies in preparation for burial. This practice is evident in the New Testament account of Jesus' burial. In John 19:39-40 , Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, to anoint Jesus' body, following Jewish burial customs. This use of ointment was not sacred in itself but was part of the cultural practice of honoring the deceased. Secular Anointing: While anointing with oil often had religious connotations, such as the anointing of kings and priests, there were instances where anointing was purely secular. In Amos 6:6 , the prophet criticizes the complacency of the wealthy, who "drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils but do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph." Here, the anointing with fine oils is depicted as a symbol of indulgence and luxury, disconnected from any sacred purpose. Symbol of Joy and Prosperity: Ointments were also associated with joy and celebration. In Proverbs 27:9 , it is written, "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul." This verse highlights the pleasant and uplifting nature of ointments, used to enhance social gatherings and personal enjoyment. In summary, while ointments in biblical times could hold sacred significance, many uses were secular, serving practical, cosmetic, and cultural functions. These non-sacred uses of ointment reflect the everyday life and customs of the people in biblical narratives. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 20:13And Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not. Nave's Topical Index Esther 2:12 Ecclesiastes 7:1 Ecclesiastes 10:1 Songs 1:3 Songs 4:10 Amos 6:6 Mark 14:3-5 John 12:3-5 Library Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative. Of the Excellent Value which Sacred Love Gives to the Actions ... Petilianus Said: "But He Thus Praises the Ointment of Concord ... Omar and the Sacred vine The Box of Ointment. That a Man Ought not to Reckon Himself Worthy of Consolation, but ... The Fifty-Second Chapter: a Man Ought not to Consider Himself ... How Our Saviour's Loving Attractions Assist and Accompany us to ... The Embalming of the Body of Jesus. On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. Resources What does the Bible say about being late or lateness? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I learn to not take offense at little things? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about aromatherapy? | GotQuestions.org Ointment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ointment: Not Sacred: The Alabaster Container of Ointment: Sacred: Compounded by Bezaleel Related Terms |
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