Topical Encyclopedia Perfume in the Bible is often associated with beauty, luxury, and worship. It is mentioned in various contexts, from personal adornment to religious rituals, highlighting its significance in ancient cultures and spiritual practices.Old Testament References 1. Exodus 30:34-38 · The LORD instructs Moses on the making of sacred incense, a blend of spices including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. This incense was to be used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle, emphasizing the sanctity and distinctiveness of its fragrance: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.'" 2. Song of Solomon 1:3 · Perfume is used metaphorically to describe the beloved's name, indicating its pleasing and attractive nature: "The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you." 3. Proverbs 27:9 · Perfume is associated with joy and friendship, illustrating its role in enhancing social interactions: "Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul." 4. Esther 2:12 · Perfume is part of the beauty treatments for women, highlighting its role in personal care and preparation: "Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics." New Testament References 1. Matthew 26:7-13 · A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, an act of devotion and preparation for His burial. This event underscores the value and significance of perfume in acts of worship and honor: "A woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table." 2. John 12:3 · Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume, filling the house with its fragrance. This act of worship and love is remembered as a testament to her faith and devotion: "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." 3. Revelation 18:13 · Perfume is listed among the luxuries of Babylon, symbolizing the wealth and opulence that will be judged by God: "Cargos of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh, and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves." Perfume in the Bible serves as a symbol of beauty, wealth, and spiritual devotion. Its use in both personal and religious contexts reflects its multifaceted role in biblical times. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 27:9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Nave's Topical Index Songs 3:6 Isaiah 57:9 Library On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. A Summary of Experience and a Body of Divinity Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ... The Final Controversies in Jerusalem The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning. Chapter xxxvi Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. His Name --The Counsellor Christian Behavior Resources Should a Christian wear perfume / cologne? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an alabaster box? | GotQuestions.org What is spikenard in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Perfume: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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