In the previous blog post ‘Much Needed Ado About The Anointing Oil’ I mentioned Myrrh was one of the five key ingredients that made up the holy anointing oil used to sanctify or set apart things or people (including kings and priests) for holy purposes. See Exodus 30:22-25. Myrrh was first on the list and double the amount of Cinnamon and Calamus. God gave specific instructions to Moses regarding Myrrh – it had to be pure or in liquid form.
Myrrh is gum resin produced by small thorny trees found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. The gum resin comes out oily at first but then it hardens, and the hardened substance is known as ‘tears’. It has an earthy fragrance and has been one in making very expensive incenses, fragrances and cosmetics for centuries in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
Perhaps the connection with reference to ‘tears’ could be seen because it was used as a spice for embalming. Myrrh was one of the 3 gifts given to Jesus by the Magi (Wise Men), which symbolised Jesus’ eventual death and burial. The other two gifts were Gold and Frankincense.
The oil of Myrrh was used by Queen Esther and other young women during their one year purification before being granted access to be with the King:
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. Esther 2:12
The Sweet side of Myrrh
In Songs of Solomon 5:13, Myrrh is used to describe the sweetness of the Beloved:
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. – (The Bride and her Beloved)
Myrrh appears to carry significance in sorrow and sweetness…ultimately Myrrh speaks of turning the bitter into the sweet – Jesus’ death was to bring abundant life to mankind.
The fragrance of Myrrh was referred to in Psalm 45:8
All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad.
Uses:
In addition to amazing fragrances and essential oils, Myrrh has variety of uses such as fixing oral health, creating youthful skin, and boosting the immune system
We invite you to journey with us in the coming blogs as we continue to explore each of the 5 ingredients that make up the holy anointing oil, with their unique fragrance and meaning, bringing life and wellness to your hearts and your homes!