Topical Encyclopedia Perfume-making in biblical times was a significant and revered craft, often associated with religious rituals, personal adornment, and royal ceremonies. The art of creating perfumes and anointing oils is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance in ancient Hebrew culture and worship practices.Biblical References and Ingredients Perfume-making is first notably mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 30:22-25 , God instructs Moses on the creation of a sacred anointing oil: "Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 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." The ingredients listed—myrrh, cinnamon, fragrant cane, cassia, and olive oil—were carefully measured and blended by skilled perfumers. This sacred oil was used to anoint the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, signifying consecration and holiness. Role in Worship and Daily Life Perfumes and anointing oils played a crucial role in worship and daily life. In Exodus 30:34-38 , God provides a recipe for incense: "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." This incense was to be burned before the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The use of incense in worship underscores the belief in its purifying and sanctifying properties. In addition to religious uses, perfumes were part of personal grooming and royal ceremonies. Esther 2:12 describes the beauty treatments of the young women brought to King Xerxes: "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." Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Perfumes and anointing oils carry deep symbolic meanings in the Bible. They often represent joy, celebration, and divine favor. In Psalm 45:7-8 , the anointing of the king is described: "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory, the harps make you glad." The New Testament also references the use of perfumes, particularly in the anointing of Jesus. In John 12:3 , Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume: "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." This act of devotion and worship prefigures Jesus' burial and highlights the sacrificial love and honor bestowed upon Him. Craftsmanship and Trade The skill of perfume-making was highly regarded, and perfumers were considered artisans. The trade of spices and aromatic substances was a significant aspect of ancient commerce, with regions like Arabia and India being renowned for their fragrant products. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:2 , included gifts of spices: "Arriving in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind." Perfume-making in biblical times was not only a craft but also a spiritual and cultural expression, deeply woven into the fabric of worship, royalty, and daily life. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PERFUME-MAKINGSee CRAFTS, II, 14. Thesaurus PerfumemakingPerfumemaking. Perfume-makers, Perfumemaking. Perfume-making . Int. ... See CRAFTS, II, 14. Perfume-makers, Perfumemaking. Perfume-making . Reference Bible /p/perfumemaking.htm - 6k Perfume-making Crafts (2 Occurrences) Perfumer (4 Occurrences) Perfume-makers (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about intimidation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian wear perfume / cologne? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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