In ancient and medieval civilizations there existed little hygiene. The close proximity of chicken coops, animal stalls, and garbage heaps to family living quarters was the order of the day. Inadequate sewage drainage and disposal, and the noxious vapors of perspiration in body and clothing, of beasts of burden, and of human waste, added to the tenacious presence of flies, mosquitoes, and insects everywhere -these were among the unpleasantries of the past. There was some relief, however. The use of burning spice acted as a strong deterrent in repelling insects in the household and also camouflaged unpleasant odors. Although burning incense is not considered to have a most delightful aroma by the effeminate, sterilized Western civilization of today, to the ancients the contrary was true. Burning incense was a most welcome and delicious fragrance – even treasured.

All four ingredients of the holy incense are designated as incense of pleasant odor, “sweet spices.” All four are gum resins that come forth, in one manner or other, in tear like form, usually hastened along by repeated incisions – cutting experiences.

Stacte (Hebrew netaph from nataph,- to drop, that is, a droplet). A kind of gum or precious ooze produced from the storax shrub or small tree, stacte retains a waxy or resinous form instead of flowing out as a liquid. It possesses medicinal value and when burned has a subtle balsamic fragrance.

The spiritual symbolism seems to be abiding faith (possessing elements of trust, confidence, and hope). Jesus called attention to what mighty deeds could be performed by its possession in even a mustard-seed quantity (Matt. 17:20; Luke17:6). Today an expression for such smallness is a mere “drop in the bucket.”

Onycha (Hebrew sheheleth,- Syriac shehelta,- a tear or a distillation). Most critics consider the Greek onycha(meaning nail, as in fingernail) to signify the hard external lid or covering of a shellfish, mollusk, or perfume crab. But the context and the etymology seem to require the gum of some aromatic plant, perhaps gum-ladanum. The Hebrew word would seem to mean something that exuded, having odorous qualities.

The spiritual counterpart appears to be emulating love (the sympathetic tear, pity, compassion).

Galbanum (Hebrew chelbenah, that is, chalab, milk, and/or cheleb, fat, plus nah, a contraction of noah,- to weep, lament, or mourn, in participle form). Galbanum is a resinous gum usually found in clumps of hardened, yellow tear like drops, probably from the Cistus galbanum, a shrub. Most scholars incorrectly identify galbanum with Bubon gummiferu , which has a strong, piercing smell and is therefore not in agreement with its biblical designation, a sweet incense.

This spice seems to represent zealous obedience (submission, self-denial, cross-bearing).

Frankincense (Hebrew lebonah,- whiteness). Frankincense is a sweet-smelling gum obtained from the tear like exudation of the frankincense tree. The first incision into the tree yields a milk- white substance that exudes quite freely. With the second incision the substance loses much of its whiteness. The third incision usually produces a golden hue, translucent resin -its most prized form. The name “frankincense” signifies whiteness, which is its chief early noticeable characteristic. It is more likely that the scriptural designation “pure frankincense” refers to its later translucency rather than to its early whiteness. The color comes with aging.

Frankincense means praise (and thanksgiving). The early convert to Christianity, as the newborn babe, desires the sincere milk of the word that he may grow thereby, and is quick and responsive to praise his Maker with his lips. The mature veteran of the Cross, if completely faithful in the discharge of his duty, offers a more disciplined and meaningful Godlike (golden) praise to his Creator. Jesus gave thanks for the cup, symbolizing his ignominious death on Calvary hill (Mark 14:23). “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalms 116:15)

The commandment was that nothing like the holy incense should be made for common use, death being the penalty for disobedience. This command was meant to instill a reverence among the Israelites for whatever was of divine institution so that they would assiduously guard against its profanation or abuse. For the Christian Church the admonition is to beware of counterfeit presentations or any unhallowed prostitution of the ordinances of God.

– Frank Shallieu, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”

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