Dictionary of Bible Themes A liquid blend of aromatic substances, usually spices, used as a cosmetic and also as a medicinal balm. Lotions were applied to the body to refresh, to improve appearance and to give a pleasing fragrance. Balm, especially from Gilead, was used to soothe pain and to heal wounds. Job 41:31Preparation of ointment Exodus 35:28One way of making ointment was to crush solid ingredients and boil them together in olive oil. See also Preparation of the holy anointing oil Exodus 25:6Exodus 30:23-25,33 pp Ex 35:8 2 Chronicles 16:14The holy anointing oil was to be prepared only by those authorised to do so. Songs 3:6Ointments made from blended spices Luke 23:56Isaiah 3:20 Containers for ointment Matthew 26:7Ointments kept in alabaster boxes increased in quality, and so in value, with age: Luke 7:37pp Mk 14:3 Ruth 3:3Uses of ointment See also As a cosmetic lotion Esther 2:12Songs 1:12 Ezekiel 16:9 Psalms 104:15 See also 2 Samuel 12:20; 14:2Ecclesiastes 9:8 Daniel 10:3 Matthew 6:17 Exodus 30:32 Psalms 23:5 See also To anoint the heads of guests Psalms 133:2Luke 7:46 This may reflect the custom of anointing a guest with perfumed ointment which melted and ran down the face and clothes to produce a pleasing fragrance Matthew 26:12To anoint the dead See also John 12:7pp Mk 14:8 Genesis 50:2-3,26Mark 16:1 John 19:39-40 pp Lk 24:1 Matthew 26:8-9Expensive ointments See also pp Mk 14:4-5 Proverbs 21:17(Spike)nard was an expensive import from India. Songs 4:13-14Amos 6:6 John 12:5 The use of expensive ointments was a mark of luxury Isaiah 1:6Ointment used in healing See also Oil used to soothe and heal Psalms 55:21Luke 10:34 Jeremiah 8:22 Medicinal balm See also 2 Chronicles 28:15Gilead was famous for its healing balsam. Jeremiah 46:11; 51:8See also 4410 banquets4466 herbs and spices 4488 oil 4488 oil 4496 perfume 5234 bottle 5241 burial 5285 cures 5333 healing 5405 medicine 7304 anointing 7386 incense |
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