In biblical times, spices were highly valued for their aromatic and preservative qualities, often used in religious rituals, culinary practices, and burial preparations. The term "spiced" in the Bible typically refers to items that have been enhanced or preserved with spices, indicating both luxury and sanctity.

Old Testament References

Spices are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting their importance in ancient Hebrew culture. In Exodus 30:23-25, God instructs Moses to create a sacred anointing oil using a blend of spices: "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." This passage underscores the use of spices in religious ceremonies, symbolizing holiness and consecration.

In the Song of Solomon, spices are used metaphorically to describe love and beauty. Song of Solomon 4:14 lists various spices: "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices." Here, the imagery of spices conveys the richness and depth of romantic love.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, spices continue to hold significance, particularly in the context of burial practices. Mark 16:1 recounts the actions of the women who came to anoint Jesus' body: "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Him." This act of anointing with spices was a customary practice to honor the deceased, reflecting both respect and devotion.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Spices in the Bible are often associated with wealth and trade. The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 10:2, included a gift of spices: "She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones." This exchange highlights the economic and diplomatic value of spices in the ancient world.

Moreover, spices were integral to the incense offerings in the Tabernacle and Temple, as seen in Exodus 30:34-35: "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.'" The use of spiced incense in worship underscores the role of spices in creating an atmosphere of reverence and divine presence.

Symbolism and Interpretation

From a theological perspective, spices symbolize the richness of God's creation and the beauty of holiness. They serve as a reminder of the sensory aspects of worship and the importance of offering the best to God. The use of spices in anointing oils and incense also points to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who purifies and consecrates believers for service.

In summary, the concept of "spiced" in the Bible encompasses a range of uses and meanings, from practical applications in daily life to profound spiritual symbolism. The presence of spices in biblical narratives reflects their enduring significance in the cultural, economic, and religious life of the ancient world.(imp. & p. p.) of Spice.7544. reqach -- spice
... spice. Transliteration: reqach Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-kakh) Short Definition:
spiced. Word Origin from raqach Definition spice NASB Word Usage spiced (1). ...
/hebrew/7544.htm - 6k

4841. merqachah -- an ointment pot
... Feminine of merqach; abstractly, a seasoning (with spicery); concretely, an
unguent-kettle (for preparing spiced oil) -- pot of ointment, X well. ...
/hebrew/4841.htm - 6k

The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
... THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE; OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION.
I would cause ... 1:16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the spiced wine of my.htm

I Will Lay Hold Upon Thee and Bring Thee into My Mother's House ...
... 2. I will lay hold upon thee and bring thee into my mother's house; there thou shalt
teach me, and I will give thee a bowl of spiced wine, and new wine of my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/2 i will lay hold.htm

Chapter viii.
... 2. I would lead thee and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me;
I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranates.2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter viii.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... [4276] Various vintages are mentioned: among them a red wine of Saron, and
a black wine. Spiced wine was made with honey and pepper. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Joy
... suffering. Be of good cheer, Paul.' Acts 23:11. When God was about to give
Paul a cup of blood to drink, he spiced it with joy. As ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Examination of the Treatise
... For who would not consent that a serious and solid discussion should be, as it were,
spiced by a friendly diversity and a pleasant contest concerning the more ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the treatise.htm

A Thanksgiving to God, for his House
... 'Tis thou that crown'st my glittering hearth With guiltless mirth, And
giv'st me wassail-bowls to drink, Spiced to the brink. Lord ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a thanksgiving to god for.htm

Details of the Crucifixion.
... WHEN Jesus reached the place of execution, he was offered, as was usual, a spiced
wine, [782] intended to stupify the mind and deaden the pains of death. ...
/.../section 290 details of the.htm

A Thanksgiving to God for his House
... With guiltless mirth; And giv'st me Wassail-bowls to drink,. Spiced to the brink.
Lord, 'tis Thy plenty-dropping hand. That soils [96] my land; ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xciv a thanksgiving to god.htm

Security of Christians.
... His holy, harmless, and profitable notions, because they are spiced with grace,
yield to him more comfort, joy, and peace; and do kindle in his soul a goodly ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xvi security of christians.htm

Spiced (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Spiced (1 Occurrence). ... I would have you drink spiced wine,
of the juice of my pomegranate. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/spiced.htm - 6k

Wine (282 Occurrences)
... (12.) Mesek, "a mixture," mixed or spiced wine, not diluted with water, but mixed
with drugs and spices to increase its strength, or, as some think, mingled ...
/w/wine.htm - 68k

Press (57 Occurrences)
... (5) For spiced wine three words occur: mecekh, Psalm 75:8 (English Versions of the
Bible "mixture"); mimcakh, Proverbs 23:30 ("mixed wine"); Isaiah 65:11 (the ...
/p/press.htm - 46k

Pomegranate (11 Occurrences)
... from the seeds is made into a kind of syrup for flavoring drinks, and in ancient
days was made into wine: "I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, of the ...
/p/pomegranate.htm - 15k

Nectar (2 Occurrences)
... into my mother's house, and she would be my teacher. I would give you drink
of spiced wine, drink of the pomegranate. (See NIV). ...
/n/nectar.htm - 7k

Juice (8 Occurrences)
... instruct me. I would have you drink spiced wine, of the juice of my
pomegranate. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Isaiah 65 ...
/j/juice.htm - 9k

Spice-cinnamon (1 Occurrence)
Spice-cinnamon. Spice-cane, Spice-cinnamon. Spiced . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Spice-cane, Spice-cinnamon. Spiced . Reference Bible.
/s/spice-cinnamon.htm - 6k

Spices (64 Occurrences)
... Astragalus gummifer. Septuagint "incense" is probably the best translation.
(4) (reqach, "spiced" wine (Songs 8:2)). See WINE. (5) (aroma ...
/s/spices.htm - 32k

Spice (25 Occurrences)
... Astragalus gummifer. Septuagint "incense" is probably the best translation.
(4) (reqach, "spiced" wine (Songs 8:2)). See WINE. (5) (aroma ...
/s/spice.htm - 18k

Spice-laden (1 Occurrence)
Spice-laden. Spiced, Spice-laden. Spice-merchants . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See NIV). Spiced, Spice-laden. Spice-merchants . Reference Bible.
/s/spice-laden.htm - 6k

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