Topical Bible: Disease: Ointments

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, ointments played a significant role in the treatment of diseases and the care of the body. These ointments were often composed of oils and aromatic substances, used for both medicinal and ceremonial purposes. The use of ointments is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Biblical References and Uses

1. Medicinal Use: Ointments were commonly used for their healing properties. In Isaiah 1:6, the prophet describes a nation in moral decay, using the metaphor of untreated wounds: "From the sole of the foot to the head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." This passage indicates the customary practice of using oil-based ointments to soothe and heal physical wounds.

2. Anointing and Consecration: Ointments were also used in religious rituals, particularly for anointing. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil, a blend of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil, to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings. This sacred ointment was a symbol of holiness and dedication to God.

3. Symbol of Joy and Blessing: Ointments were associated with joy and blessing. In Psalm 133:2, the unity of brethren is compared to "the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, over the collar of his robes." This imagery conveys the richness and abundance of God's blessings.

4. Preparation for Burial: Ointments were used in the preparation of bodies for burial, as seen in the New Testament. In John 19:39-40, Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, to anoint Jesus' body according to Jewish burial customs. This act of devotion underscores the cultural significance of ointments in honoring the deceased.

5. Symbol of Love and Devotion: The use of ointments as a symbol of love and devotion is poignantly illustrated in the account of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume. In Luke 7:37-38, a sinful woman brings an alabaster jar of perfume, stands behind Jesus at His feet weeping, and begins to wet His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with the perfume. This act of worship and repentance highlights the deep personal significance of ointments in expressing love and reverence.

Cultural and Historical Context

Ointments in biblical times were often made from olive oil, which was abundant in the region, mixed with various spices and aromatic plants. These mixtures were highly valued, not only for their practical uses but also for their symbolic meanings. The preparation and use of ointments required skill and knowledge of local flora, reflecting the advanced understanding of natural remedies in ancient cultures.

The significance of ointments in the Bible extends beyond their physical properties, often serving as metaphors for spiritual truths. They symbolize healing, consecration, joy, and devotion, pointing to deeper theological themes of restoration, holiness, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
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Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
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Library

Of one who was Lately Cured of a Disease in his Eye at the Relics ...
... XXXII. Of one who was lately cured of a disease in his eye at the relics of St. ... The
physicians endeavoured to mitigate it by applying ointments, but in vain. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxxii of one who.htm

How the Iberians Received the Faith of Christ.
... nor knowledge, nor am I acquainted with the mode of applying ointments or plasters ...
she prayed for him immediately and freed him from the disease, although just ...
/.../chapter vii how the iberians received.htm

Healing for the Wounded
... he shall find a hand to extricate the shot, and certain ointments and liniments
to ... there been who have gone to their graves, not smitten by disease, not slain ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/healing for the wounded.htm

Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ...
... woman that did but touch his garment was forthwith cured of her disease that had ...
his fellows, so doth it yield a sweeter savour than all the ointments of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/iii of the duties which.htm

The Wilderness State
... I.1. And, First, what is the nature of this disease, into which so many fall ... delight
in him as in time past, and "smell the odour of his ointments." Once, all ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 46 the wilderness state.htm

Christ's Hospital
... When a person dies, and the doctors do not know the complaint of which he died,
they say, "It was heart disease." They did ... He has not used up his ointments. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs hospital.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... lay about a crowd of noisy beggars, unsightly from disease, and clamorous ... linen,
woollen stuffs, purple, and costly hangings; essences, ointments, and perfumes ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

In Death and after Death
... which was carried to comparatively great perfection in Egypt, where every disease
had its ... against His burial (Matthew 26:12), the spices and ointments (Luke 23 ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... meet, and high about Him, wherefore also they had brought ointments, and were ... remissness,
for that I had of myself withdrawn, while the disease remained; and if ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxviii matt xxvii 45-48.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... things besides; for instance, beauty, at the advance of either disease or old age ...
effeminate mode of life, in inner chambers full of sweet ointments and perfumes ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm