Topical Encyclopedia Lign-aloes, also known as aloeswood or agarwood, is a fragrant wood mentioned in the Bible, noted for its aromatic properties and use in perfumes and incense. The term "lign-aloes" is derived from the Hebrew word "ahalim" or "ahaloth," which refers to the wood of the Aquilaria tree, a genus native to Southeast Asia. This wood becomes highly valuable when it becomes infected with a specific mold, resulting in a dark, resinous heartwood that is prized for its rich fragrance.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 24:6 : In Balaam's oracle, the beauty and prosperity of Israel are likened to the lushness of gardens and the fragrance of aloes: "They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters." 2. Psalm 45:8 : This royal psalm, celebrating the king's wedding, mentions aloes as part of the luxurious fragrances that adorn the king: "All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad." 3. Proverbs 7:17 : In a warning against the seduction of the adulterous woman, aloes are mentioned as part of the enticing perfumes used to lure the unsuspecting: "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon." 4. Song of Solomon 4:14 : In this poetic book celebrating love and marriage, aloes are listed among the exotic spices and fragrances that describe the beloved: "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices." Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient times, lign-aloes were highly valued for their aromatic qualities and were often used in religious rituals, embalming, and as a luxury item in trade. The wood was considered precious and was often associated with wealth and opulence. Its inclusion in biblical texts underscores its significance and the esteem in which it was held. The use of aloes in the Bible often symbolizes beauty, luxury, and divine blessing. The imagery of aloes planted by the LORD in Numbers 24:6 suggests a divine cultivation and care, reflecting God's provision and the flourishing of His people. In the context of the Song of Solomon, aloes contribute to the rich tapestry of love and desire, enhancing the sensory experience of the poetry. Symbolism and Theological Significance: Lign-aloes, with their rich fragrance and rarity, serve as a symbol of the divine blessings and the beauty of God's creation. They are often associated with the presence of God and the anointing of His chosen ones. The use of aloes in the anointing and preparation of sacred spaces and persons highlights the sanctity and set-apart nature of those who are dedicated to the LORD. In the broader biblical narrative, the mention of aloes alongside other precious spices and fragrances points to the abundance and richness of God's provision. It serves as a reminder of the sensory and material blessings that God bestows upon His people, inviting them to experience and appreciate the fullness of His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 24:6As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD has planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Balaam Dr. Beardsley's Address. The Witness of Balaam to Israel The Infallibility of God's Purpose Resources Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trees of the Life and Conversation of the Righteous Trees were Cut Down by Besieging Armies for Erecting Forts Trees were Cut Down for Building Trees were Cut Down for Making Idols Trees were Sold With the Land on Which They Grew Trees: (Casting Their Leaves Yet Retaining Their Substance) of Trees: (Dry) of the Wicked Ripe for Judgment Trees: (Dry) of Useless Persons Trees: (Duration of) of Continued Prosperity of Saints Trees: (Good and Fruitful) of Saints Trees: (Green) of the Innocence of Christ Trees: (Producing Evil Fruit) the Wicked Trees: (Shaking of the Leaves off) the Terror of the Wicked Trees: Afford an Agreeable Shade in Eastern Countries During The Trees: Designed to Beautify the Earth Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Forest Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Wood Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Bearing Fruit Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Deciduous or Casting the Leaves Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Evergreen Trees: Each Kind Has Its own Seed for Propagating Its Species Trees: Each Kind of, Known by Its Fruit Trees: Early Custom of Planting, in Consecrated Grounds Trees: Given As Food to the Animal Creation Trees: God Increases and Multiplies the Fruit of, for his People Trees: God often Renders, Barren As a Punishment Trees: Made for the Glory of God Trees: Nourished by the Rain from Heaven Trees: Nourished: Through Their own Sap Trees: Often Propagated by Birds Who Carry the Seeds Along With Them Trees: Often Suffered From: Desolating Armies Trees: Often Suffered From: Fire Trees: Often Suffered From: Hail and Frost Trees: Often Suffered From: Locusts Trees: Originally Created by God Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Branches Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Fruit or Seeds Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Leaves Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Roots Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Stem or Trunk Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Tender Shoots Trees: Solomon Wrote the History of Trees: Specially Flourished Beside the Rivers and Streams of Water Trees: The Jews: Considered Trees on Which Criminals Were Executed Trees: The Jews: Often Buried Under Trees: The Jews: Often Executed Criminals On Trees: The Jews: Often Pitched Their Tents Under Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Cutting Down Fruit Bearing, for Sieges Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Planting in Consecrated Places Trees: when Cut Down often Sprouted from Their Roots Again Related Terms Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) Sycomore-trees (6 Occurrences) Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences) |
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