Topical Encyclopedia Scent-boxes, also referred to as perfume boxes or alabaster jars, are containers used in ancient times to store perfumes and aromatic oils. These items are mentioned in the Bible and hold cultural and spiritual significance, particularly in the context of worship, anointing, and burial practices.Biblical References: One of the most notable references to a scent-box is found in the New Testament, in the account of a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. In the Gospel of Mark, it is written: "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on His head" (Mark 14:3). This act of devotion and worship is significant, as it symbolizes the woman's recognition of Jesus' divine nature and foreshadows His impending death and burial. Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with perfume from an alabaster jar, demonstrating repentance and love: "A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume" (Luke 7:37). This act is met with criticism from the onlookers, but Jesus commends her faith and forgives her sins. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel and the surrounding regions, scent-boxes were often crafted from alabaster, a fine-grained stone that was ideal for preserving the fragrance of perfumes. These containers were typically small and intricately designed, reflecting the value of the contents within. Perfumes and aromatic oils were luxury items, used not only for personal adornment but also in religious rituals and burial customs. The use of perfumes in burial practices is highlighted in the account of Jesus' burial. After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepared Jesus' body with a mixture of myrrh and aloes, as was the Jewish custom (John 19:39-40). This practice underscores the importance of scent-boxes in honoring the deceased and preparing them for the afterlife. Spiritual Significance: Scent-boxes in the Bible often symbolize devotion, sacrifice, and the anointing of God's chosen ones. The act of anointing with perfume is a recurring theme, representing the consecration and setting apart of individuals for divine purposes. In the Old Testament, anointing oil was used to consecrate priests and kings, signifying their roles as God's representatives on earth. The use of scent-boxes in the New Testament narratives of Jesus' anointing serves as a powerful metaphor for the recognition of His messianic identity and the sacrificial love He embodies. The breaking of the alabaster jar and the pouring out of its contents can be seen as a parallel to Jesus' own sacrifice, as He pours out His life for the salvation of humanity. In summary, scent-boxes in the Bible are more than mere containers for perfume; they are vessels of worship, symbols of devotion, and reminders of the sacrificial love that is central to the Christian faith. Concordance Scent-boxes (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 3:20 Thesaurus Scent-boxes (1 Occurrence)Scent-boxes. Scent, Scent-boxes. Scented . Multi-Version Concordance Scent-boxes (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:20 the head ... /s/scent-boxes.htm - 6k Scent (6 Occurrences) Girdles (13 Occurrences) Stepping (13 Occurrences) Scented (2 Occurrences) Head-dresses (11 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian wear perfume / cologne? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are phylacteries? | GotQuestions.org What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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