In the biblical context, spices held significant importance, particularly in the rituals and ceremonies of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These aromatic substances were not only used for their pleasing scents but also symbolized purity, holiness, and the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. The use of spices in the Temple is primarily detailed in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, where God provides specific instructions to Moses regarding their preparation and use.

Biblical References and Instructions

1. Anointing Oil and Incense: The Lord commanded Moses to prepare a sacred anointing oil and a fragrant incense blend for use in the Tabernacle. The anointing oil was to be made from fine spices, including myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and cassia, mixed with olive oil. The incense was to be a blend of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. These instructions are found in Exodus 30:22-25, 34-38:

· "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.'" (Exodus 30:22-25)

· "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.'" (Exodus 30:34-35)

2. Symbolism and Purpose: The anointing oil and incense were not merely for aesthetic purposes but were deeply symbolic. The anointing oil was used to consecrate the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the table, all its utensils, the lampstand, and the altar of incense, as well as Aaron and his sons, setting them apart for holy service (Exodus 30:26-30). The incense, burned on the altar of incense, represented the prayers of the Israelites rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

3. Prohibitions and Sacredness: The sacredness of these mixtures was emphasized by strict prohibitions against their replication for personal use. The Lord warned that anyone who made a similar blend for personal enjoyment would be cut off from the community (Exodus 30:32-33, 37-38). This underscores the unique and holy nature of these substances, reserved solely for worship and consecration.

4. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, spices were highly valued, often used in trade and as gifts for royalty. The Israelites' use of spices in worship reflects a broader cultural appreciation for these aromatic substances, yet it is distinct in its theological significance. The specific spices mentioned were likely chosen for their availability and symbolic meanings, with each contributing to the overall sanctity of the worship experience.

5. New Testament Reflection: The use of spices in the Temple finds a reflection in the New Testament, where the Magi present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child (Matthew 2:11). This act symbolizes recognition of Jesus' kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death, echoing the Old Testament use of spices in worship and consecration.

In summary, the spices used in the Temple were integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel, serving as a means of consecration, a symbol of prayer, and a reflection of God's holiness. Their careful preparation and exclusive use underscore the sacredness of the worship experience and the Israelites' devotion to the Lord.1 Chronicles 9:29
Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
Nave's Topical Index

How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... of its immense depth, especially as the Jews used all the ... that were about him, went
into the temple itself [8 ... as also a great quantity of spices heaped together ...
/.../chapter 7 how pompey had.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... sorts of spices, even more than those four which Moses prescribed, Exodus 31:34,
we see were used in their public worship under Herod's temple, particularly ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... cinnamon and cassia, with a large quantity of other sweet spices, [30] which used
to be ... were also delivered to him, with sacred ornaments of the temple not a ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... the true church were set forth by the spices, nuts, grapes ... to square wood for the
building of the temple; so a ... gospel now is also famous, if much used by Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... they brought also a great quantity of spices; for of ... These were spread over the temple,
and covered all the ... the gates, the eleventh curtain being used for this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... She gave up all spices, and said that she would eat ... In the Temple, where a great
deal of water is ... washing and cleansing the vessels, it is used very carefully. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Synagogues in the City; and Schools.
... There was also a brass mortar in the Temple, in which they beat their spices; and
there ... made him a footstool because of the Babylonians, who used to pull ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 36 synagogues in the.htm

Results of Transgression
... selfish desires might be gratified, they used their God ... his wisdom and of the
magnificent temple he had ... of servants, and with camels bearing "spices, and gold ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Angels of the Advent.
... Jewish people used to live. He went to Jerusalem when it was his turn to serve in
the temple, and once while he was offering the incense of sweet spices on the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter i the angels of.htm

On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
... Church, during the persecutions, the Emperors used to order ... not remain any longer
in the Temple, but would be ... them in cloths, and cover them with sweet spices. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 8 on our lords.htm

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