The Significance of Frankincense in the Bible

There is a fragrant treasure that transcends time from Bible time to today- Frankincense. Mentioned throughout the Bible, this scented resin has woven its essence into the tapestry of religious rituals, cultural traditions, and medicinal uses from ancient times until today.

Frankincense is a hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree according to WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientsmono-448/frankincense). They would cut a tree and sap would come out. The sap would be used as incense. In the Bible, frankincense was used as a perfume and incense and was more valuable than gold. Frankincense is citrusy and sweet. It was important because it was used in worship in the Temple.

In Matthew 2:11, we see the wise men presenting gifts to Mary and Jesus. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh”.

Frankincense was used as an anointing oil and incense to be used in the Tabernacle so that God was honored. We can see in Exodus 30, that God instructs Moses on how to make the altar burn the incense. Exodus 30:34,35, “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and…