Topical Encyclopedia Tragacanth is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of Middle Eastern legumes, primarily of the genus Astragalus. This gum has been used since ancient times for various purposes, including as a thickening agent in foods, a stabilizer in pharmaceuticals, and a binder in textiles and cosmetics. Its historical significance and utility make it a subject of interest in biblical studies, particularly in understanding the cultural and economic contexts of the ancient Near East.Biblical Context and References While tragacanth itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its use and trade can be inferred from the broader context of ancient commerce and the materials mentioned in Scripture. The Bible frequently references the trade of spices, gums, and resins, which were highly valued in biblical times. For instance, Genesis 37:25 describes a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, "Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way down to Egypt." Although tragacanth is not listed, the mention of "spices" and "balm" suggests a trade network that likely included various gums and resins. Historical and Cultural Significance In the ancient world, tragacanth would have been a valuable commodity due to its versatile applications. It was used in the preparation of incense, which holds significant religious importance in the Bible. Incense was a key component of worship and offerings, as seen in Exodus 30:34-36 , where the LORD instructs Moses on the composition of sacred incense. While tragacanth is not specified, the inclusion of various aromatic substances highlights the importance of such materials in religious practices. The economic implications of tragacanth trade are also noteworthy. The ancient Near East was a hub of commerce, with caravans transporting goods across vast distances. The trade of gums and resins, including tragacanth, would have contributed to the wealth and cultural exchange among regions. This trade is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the movement of goods often accompanies significant events, such as Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37:28). Applications and Uses Tragacanth's primary use in antiquity was as a binding and thickening agent. Its ability to stabilize mixtures made it valuable in the preparation of foods and medicines. In the context of biblical times, such properties would have been essential for the preservation and enhancement of various products. The gum's role in medicine aligns with the biblical emphasis on healing and health, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 8:22 , "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" Symbolic and Theological Implications While tragacanth itself does not carry direct symbolic meaning in the Bible, its association with trade and worship materials can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and the interconnectedness of His creation. The trade of such goods facilitated the spread of culture and ideas, contributing to the fulfillment of God's purposes across nations. The use of natural substances like tragacanth in worship underscores the biblical theme of utilizing creation to honor the Creator, as seen in Psalm 24:1 , "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." In summary, while tragacanth is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its historical and cultural significance provides insight into the economic and religious life of the biblical world. Its presence in the trade networks of the ancient Near East highlights the interconnectedness of peoples and the diverse uses of natural resources in fulfilling God's purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A kind of gum procured from a spiny leguminous shrub (Astragalus gummifer) of Western Asia, and other species of Astragalus. It comes in hard whitish or yellowish flakes or filaments, and is nearly insoluble in water, but slowly swells into a mucilaginous mass, which is used as a substitute for gum arabic in medicine and the arts. Called also gum tragacanth.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TRAGACANTHtrag'-a-kanth: For "spicery" in Genesis 37:25, the Revised Version margin gives "gum tragacanth or storax." Strong's Hebrew 5219. nekoth -- (a spice) perhaps tragacanth gum... 5218b, 5219. nekoth. 5220 . (a spice) perhaps tragacanth gum. Transliteration: nekoth Phonetic Spelling: (nek-ohth') Short Definition: gum. ... /hebrew/5219.htm - 6k Thesaurus Tragacanth (2 Occurrences)... in medicine and the arts. Called also gum tragacanth. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TRAGACANTH. trag'-a-kanth: For "spicery ... /t/tragacanth.htm - 8k Ladanum (2 Occurrences) Balsam (10 Occurrences) Spices (64 Occurrences) Spice (25 Occurrences) Spicery (2 Occurrences) Traffickers (9 Occurrences) Gum (3 Occurrences) Tragedy (1 Occurrence) Pistacia-nuts (1 Occurrence) Resources Tragacanth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tragacanth (2 Occurrences)Genesis 37:25 Genesis 43:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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