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Dutch What is frankincense and where does it come from?
Frankincense is truly a gift from Godโs creation โ a fragrant resin that comes from Boswellia trees, which grow primarily in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. This precious substance has been valued since ancient times for its sweet aroma and perceived spiritual properties.
The process of harvesting frankincense is a testament to the relationship between humans and nature that our Creator has ordained. Harvesters make careful incisions in the bark of the Boswellia trees, allowing the resin to seep out and harden into tear-shaped droplets. These aromatic โtearsโ are then collected and used to create incense, perfumes, and medicines.
Historically, the frankincense trade brought great wealth to the regions where it was produced, particularly to ancient South Arabia. As the Scriptures tell us, โCaravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praise of the Lordโ (Isaiah 60:6). , this valuable commodity was a cornerstone of commerce between the Mediterranean world and the lands to the east.
Today, frankincense continues to be harvested in countries such as Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. But we must be mindful of the challenges facing the sustainable production of this God-given resource. Overharvesting and climate change threaten some Boswellia species. As stewards of creation, we have a responsibility to ensure that our use of frankincense and other natural resources is done with wisdom and care for the environment.
(Birhan et al., 2023; Grishchenko, 2019; Thiselton-Dyer, n.d.; Thulin, 2020; Voisin, 2022)
How many times is frankincense mentioned in the Bible?
The presence of frankincense in Sacred Scripture is a testament to its significance in the spiritual life of Godโs people throughout history. While I cannot provide an exact count, as different translations may use varying terms, frankincense is mentioned numerous times in both the Old and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, frankincense plays a prominent role in the worship practices of ancient Israel. It is frequently mentioned in the books of Exodus and Leviticus as an essential component of the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. For example, in Exodus 30:34, the Lord instructs Moses on the composition of the holy incense, saying, โTake sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part).โ
The prophetic books also speak of frankincense. Isaiah, envisioning the future glory of Zion, proclaims, โA multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lordโ (Isaiah 60:6). This passage beautifully foreshadows the gifts of the Magi to the Christ Child.
In the poetic books, frankincense is associated with beauty and love. The Song of Solomon, that sublime celebration of human and divine love, mentions frankincense several times. In one verse, the beloved is described as โcoming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincenseโ (Song of Solomon 3:6).
In the New Testament, frankincense appears most notably in the story of the Magi, who bring this precious gift to the infant Jesus. Matthewโs Gospel tells us, โOn coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrhโ (Matthew 2:11).
While these are not exhaustive, they illustrate the recurring presence of frankincense in Scripture. Its repeated mention underscores its importance in the religious and cultural life of biblical times. More than a mere commodity, frankincense serves as a symbol of prayer, worship, and the recognition of divinity.
As we reflect on the biblical references to frankincense, let us be reminded of the sweet aroma of our own prayers rising to heaven, and of the precious gift of Christ himself, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all that frankincense represents in Scripture.
(Balentine, 2020; Ben-yehoshua & Hanuร ยก, 2014; Darwin, 2019; Khater et al., 2022; Lischer, 2020)
What does frankincense symbolize in the Bible?
Frankincense in the Holy Scriptures is rich with symbolic meaning, pointing us towards powerful spiritual truths. Let us contemplate together the significance of this aromatic resin in Godโs Word.
Frankincense symbolizes prayer and the worship of God. As the Psalmist beautifully expresses, โMay my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrificeโ (Psalm 141:2). The rising smoke of burning frankincense represents our prayers ascending to heaven, a visible sign of our invisible communion with the Divine. This imagery reminds us of the importance of constant prayer in our lives, of lifting our hearts and minds to God in all circumstances.
Secondly, frankincense symbolizes holiness and purification. In the Old Testament, it was a key ingredient in the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and Temple. The Lord instructed Moses to use frankincense in the holy anointing oil and in grain offerings. This usage in sacred rituals underscores its association with that which is set apart for God. For us today, this serves as a reminder of our call to holiness, to be set apart for Godโs purposes in the world.
Thirdly, frankincense represents the recognition of divinity. We see this most clearly in the story of the Magi, who brought frankincense as a gift to the infant Jesus. Their offering acknowledged the divine nature of Christ, even in his humble human form. This teaches us to recognize the presence of God in our world, even in unexpected places and circumstances.
Frankincense symbolizes the sweetness and beauty of the Lord. In the Song of Solomon, it is associated with the beloved, a poetic representation of Godโs love for His people. This reminds us of the attractiveness of a life lived in harmony with Godโs will, a life that exudes the fragrance of Christ to the world.
Lastly, frankincense can be seen as a symbol of sacrifice and offering. In Leviticus, it is prescribed as part of various offerings to the Lord. This aspect of frankincense points us towards the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and our own call to offer our lives as a โliving sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Godโ (Romans 12:1).
As we reflect on these symbolic meanings, let us be inspired to deepen our prayer life, to pursue holiness, to recognize Godโs presence in our world, to radiate the beauty of Christ, and to offer ourselves more fully to the Lord. May the rich symbolism of frankincense in Scripture guide us to a more powerful and fragrant faith.
(Bianchi & Bianchi, 2017; Bucur, 2018; Lischer, 2020; Thiselton-Dyer, n.d.; Voisin, 2022)
Why was frankincense one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi?
The gift of frankincense brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus is rich with significance, revealing powerful truths about the nature of Christ and His mission. Let us ponder together the reasons for this precious offering.
The gift of frankincense acknowledged the divinity of Jesus. In ancient times, frankincense was often used in the worship of gods. By presenting this aromatic resin to the Christ Child, the Magi were recognizing Him as more than a mere earthly king โ they were proclaiming His divine nature. This gesture foreshadowed the truth that would later be fully revealed: that Jesus is โGod with us,โ Emmanuel.
Secondly, frankincense symbolized the priestly role of Christ. In the Old Testament, frankincense was used in the Temple rituals, particularly in the offering of incense by the priests. By bringing this gift, the Magi were prophetically pointing to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, the one who would offer not the blood of animals, but His own life as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.
The gift of frankincense can be seen as a representation of prayer. As we have noted, the rising smoke of incense is often associated with prayers ascending to heaven. In offering frankincense to Jesus, the Magi were symbolically entrusting their prayers and the prayers of all humanity to the one true Mediator between God and man.
We must also consider the practical value of frankincense. Like gold and myrrh, it was a precious commodity, worthy of a king. Some scholars suggest that these valuable gifts may have provided for the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt and early years. In this, we see Godโs providence at work, using the generosity of these wise men to care for His Son.
Lastly, the gift of frankincense points to the universal nature of Christโs mission. The Magi, coming from distant lands, represent the Gentile nations. Their offering of a gift associated with divine worship foreshadows the inclusion of all peoples in Godโs plan of salvation through Christ.
As we reflect on this gift of the Magi, let us be inspired to offer our own gifts to Christ. Perhaps not gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the gift of our hearts, our devotion, and our lives. May we, like the Magi, recognize the divine nature of Christ, acknowledge His priestly role, entrust our prayers to Him, support His mission with our resources, and proclaim His universal lordship.
In contemplating the gift of frankincense, we are reminded of the words of St. Paul: โThanks be to God for his indescribable gift!โ (2 Corinthians 9:15). Truly, Christ Himself is the greatest gift, one that far surpasses any offering we could bring.
(Assefa et al., 2012; Guillen, 2022; Jรยบnior & de, 2015; Panaino, 2015; Pane, 2024)
How was frankincense used in Old Testament worship and rituals?
The use of frankincense in Old Testament worship and rituals was both powerful and multifaceted, reflecting the deep reverence and careful attention to detail that characterized the people of Israelโs approach to the Divine. Let us explore together how this aromatic resin played a crucial role in their sacred practices.
Frankincense was a key ingredient in the holy incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. In Exodus 30:34-38, we find the Lordโs precise instructions to Moses for the composition of this sacred incense: โTake sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.โ This incense was to be burned regularly before the Lord, creating a sweet aroma that symbolized the prayers of the people rising to heaven.
Frankincense was also an important component of grain offerings. In Leviticus 2:1-2, we read, โWhen anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it and take it to Aaronโs sons the priests.โ The inclusion of frankincense in these offerings added a fragrant element to the sacrifice, making it more pleasing and acceptable to God.
Frankincense played a role in the bread of the Presence, which was placed before the Lord in the Holy Place. Leviticus 24:7 instructs, โBy each stack put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be a food offering presented to the Lord.โ Here, the frankincense served as a representative offering, a symbol of the bread itself being offered to God.
In the ritual of the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a censer full of burning incense, which included frankincense. This created a cloud of smoke that both honored Godโs presence and shielded the high priest from the full glory of the Lord.
The use of frankincense was not merely aesthetic or practical. It carried deep spiritual significance. The sweet aroma it produced was seen as pleasing to God, symbolizing the peopleโs desire to offer worship that was acceptable and delightful to the Lord. Its use in various offerings and rituals also underscored the concept of sacrifice โ the giving of something valuable as an act of devotion and gratitude to God.
As we reflect on these ancient practices, let us remember that while our forms of worship may have changed, the essence remains the same. We are still called to offer our best to God, to approach Him with reverence and care, and to ensure that our worship is a sweet aroma to the Lord. May the memory of frankincense in Old Testament rituals inspire us to offer our whole selves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
(Bianchi & Bianchi, 2017; Bucur, 2018; Estes, 1999; Lischer, 2020; Thiselton-Dyer, n.d.)
What spiritual meaning or significance does frankincense have for Christians?
Frankincense holds powerful spiritual meaning for us as Christians, connecting us to ancient traditions of worship and reminding us of Godโs presence among us. This aromatic resin, harvested from Boswellia trees, has been treasured for millennia as a precious substance worthy of offering to the Divine.
For Christians, frankincense carries deep symbolism related to prayer, purification, and the recognition of Christโs divinity. When we encounter its sweet fragrance rising heavenward, we are reminded of the Psalmistโs words: โLet my prayer be set forth before thee as incenseโ (Psalm 141:2). The smoke of frankincense represents our prayers and supplications ascending to Godโs throne.
Frankincense points us toward the Incarnation โ that marvelous mystery of God becoming man in Jesus Christ. We recall how the Magi journeyed from afar to present the infant Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The frankincense acknowledged Jesus as divine, worthy of worship as the Son of God. (Goh, 2020)
In the Old Testament, frankincense was a key component of the sacred incense burned in the Tabernacle and Temple as an offering to God. This links our Christian use of frankincense to the ancient Israelite practices of worship, reminding us of the continuity of Godโs covenant relationship with humanity across the ages.
The use of frankincense in Christian liturgy and prayer helps engage our senses in worship, allowing us to offer ourselves more fully to God โ body, mind and spirit. Its fragrance can lift our hearts and minds heavenward, creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation of the Divine mysteries.
Are there any notable Bible verses or stories involving frankincense?
The Bible contains several major references to frankincense that illuminate its spiritual importance. Let us reflect on some of these passages to deepen our appreciation for this sacred substance.
Perhaps the most well-known biblical story involving frankincense is the account of the Magi in the Gospel of Matthew. These wise men from the East followed the star to Bethlehem, where they found the child Jesus with Mary his mother. In an act of powerful worship, they presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). This offering of frankincense to the infant Christ symbolically acknowledged his divine nature and kingship. (Goh, 2020)
In the Old Testament, we find frankincense playing a crucial role in the worship practices of ancient Israel. The book of Exodus describes how God instructed Moses to create a special blend of incense for use in the Tabernacle, with frankincense as one of its key ingredients (Exodus 30:34-38). This sacred incense was to be burned before the Lord as a pleasing aroma, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to heaven.
The Song of Solomon, that beautiful poem of love, mentions frankincense several times, linking it with beauty and desire. In one verse, the beloved is described as coming up from the wilderness โperfumed with myrrh and frankincenseโ (Song of Solomon 3:6). This imagery reminds us of the sweetness of Godโs love for us and our longing for union with the Divine.
In the book of Leviticus, we learn that frankincense was to be offered alongside grain offerings presented to the Lord (Leviticus 2:1-2, 6:15). This practice emphasized the sacredness of the offering and the worshipperโs desire to please God with a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the future glory of Zion, foretells a time when โall those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lordโ (Isaiah 60:6). This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the Magiโs journey to worship the Christ child, and points toward the day when all nations will recognize and worship the one true God.
In the New Testament, the book of Revelation presents a heavenly scene where an angel offers the prayers of all the saints with incense on the golden altar before Godโs throne (Revelation 8:3-4). While frankincense is not explicitly mentioned here, this imagery draws on the Old Testament associations of incense with prayer and divine worship.
These biblical references to frankincense remind us of its longstanding importance in the worship of God. They invite us to consider how we too can offer our prayers and our very lives as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to the Lord, pleasing to Him and ascending to His heavenly throne.
How does frankincense relate to prayer in the Bible?
My dear brothers and sisters in faith, the connection between frankincense and prayer in the Bible is powerful and multifaceted, offering us rich insights into the nature of our communication with God.
Throughout Scripture, we find frankincense closely associated with prayer, serving as a powerful symbol of the prayers of Godโs people rising to heaven. This imagery is beautifully captured in Psalm 141:2, where David writes, โLet my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.โ Here, the psalmist draws a direct parallel between the rising smoke of incense and the ascent of his prayers to God. (Goh, 2020)
In the Old Testament, frankincense was a crucial component of the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the preparation of this holy incense, which was to be burned before the Lord (Exodus 30:34-38). This practice of offering incense became intimately linked with the prayers of the people, creating a sensory experience that engaged both the physical and spiritual realms.
The prophet Malachi, speaking of a future time of pure worship, declares, โFor from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offeringโ (Malachi 1:11). This prophecy connects the offering of incense, which would have included frankincense, with the universal worship of God.
In the New Testament, we find this connection between incense and prayer beautifully illustrated in the book of Revelation. John describes a heavenly scene where an angel offers incense with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before Godโs throne (Revelation 8:3-4). The smoke of the incense, mingled with the prayers of Godโs people, rises before God, symbolizing how our prayers are received and cherished by our Heavenly Father.
The use of frankincense in worship and prayer serves multiple purposes. Its sweet aroma creates an atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation, helping to focus our minds and hearts on God. The rising smoke provides a visual representation of our prayers ascending to heaven, encouraging us to lift our thoughts and petitions to God. the act of offering something precious and costly, like frankincense, in conjunction with our prayers reminds us of the value God places on our communication with Him.
In our modern practice of prayer, while we may not always have literal frankincense burning before us, we can still draw inspiration from this biblical imagery. Let us remember that our prayers, like the smoke of incense, rise before Godโs throne. Let us approach prayer with the same sense of reverence and devotion that accompanied the offering of incense in the Temple. And let us be mindful that our prayers, like the aroma of frankincense, can be a sweet-smelling offering to our Lord.
What was the economic and cultural importance of frankincense in biblical times?
To fully appreciate the significance of frankincense in the Bible, we must understand its immense economic and cultural importance in the ancient world. This aromatic resin was not merely a luxury item, but a substance that shaped trade routes, influenced economies, and played a crucial role in religious and cultural practices across many civilizations.
In biblical times, frankincense was one of the most valuable commodities in the world, often worth its weight in gold. Its production was largely limited to the southern Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the region of modern-day Oman and Yemen, as well as parts of East Africa. This geographical limitation made frankincense a rare and precious substance, highly sought after by the great empires and kingdoms of the ancient Near East. (Goh, 2020)
The trade in frankincense gave rise to the famous โIncense Route,โ a network of caravan trails that connected the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean world. This route not only facilitated the exchange of goods but also ideas, cultures, and religions. The prosperity of many ancient cities, including Petra in Jordan, was largely due to their strategic positions along these trade routes.
For the people of ancient Israel, frankincense held great cultural and religious significance. It was one of the four key ingredients in the holy incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple (Exodus 30:34-38). The use of this precious substance in worship underscored its value and the importance of offering oneโs best to God. The regular burning of frankincense in religious rituals also meant that there was a constant demand for this commodity, further enhancing its economic importance.
In the wider ancient Near East, frankincense was used not only in religious ceremonies but also in medicine, perfumery, and as a general air freshener. Its use in funerary practices, particularly in Egypt, further increased its demand. The cultural prestige associated with frankincense made it a popular gift for royalty and dignitaries, as exemplified by the Magiโs offering to the infant Jesus.
The economic importance of frankincense is reflected in various biblical passages. In Isaiah 60:6, the prophet envisions a time when โthe wealth on the seasโ and โthe riches of nationsโ will come to Israel, specifically mentioning caravans bearing gold and frankincense. This imagery draws on the real-world economic realities of the time, where frankincense trade was a major source of wealth.
The cultural value placed on frankincense is evident in its inclusion as one of the gifts presented to the infant Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). This offering, alongside gold and myrrh, represented not only great material worth but also carried deep symbolic meaning, acknowledging Jesus as divine and worthy of worship.
The high value placed on frankincense in biblical times stands in stark contrast to our modern world, where it is relatively accessible. This shift in economic reality can sometimes make it challenging for us to fully grasp the impact that frankincense would have had in ancient societies.
Understanding the economic and cultural importance of frankincense in biblical times enriches our reading of Scripture and deepens our appreciation for its use in worship. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of trade, culture, and faith in the ancient world, and invites us to consider how we too can offer our most precious gifts in service to God and our fellow human beings.
Is frankincense still used in Christian worship today? If so, how?
It brings me great joy to reflect on how the ancient tradition of using frankincense in worship continues to enrich our Christian practices today. While its use varies among different Christian traditions, frankincense remains a meaningful element in many forms of liturgy and personal devotion.
In the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, frankincense continues to play a major role in worship. During the Mass or Divine Liturgy, the priest may cense the altar, the Gospel book, the gifts of bread and wine, and the congregation. This act of censing serves multiple purposes: it purifies and sanctifies, it symbolizes our prayers rising to heaven, and it engages our sense of smell in the worship experience, reminding us of the sweet aroma of Christโs sacrifice. (Goh, 2020)
The use of frankincense is particularly prominent during special liturgical celebrations. For instance, during the Easter Vigil, many churches bless the Paschal candle with grains of incense, recalling the spices used to prepare Christโs body for burial and celebrating His resurrection. Similarly, on the Feast of the Epiphany, some traditions bless chalk, water, and incense, commemorating the gifts of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
In some Anglican and Lutheran churches, as well as other liturgical Protestant denominations, frankincense may be used on special occasions or in high church settings. While not as ubiquitous as in Catholic or Orthodox worship, its use in these contexts often serves to connect worshippers with ancient Christian traditions and to create a multisensory worship experience.
Beyond its use in formal liturgy, frankincense has found a place in many forms of personal and communal prayer. Some Christians burn frankincense in their homes during times of prayer or meditation, finding that its aroma helps to create a sacred atmosphere and focus their thoughts on God. Prayer groups or retreat centers may use frankincense to enhance times of contemplative prayer or Taizรยฉ-style worship.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of essential oils in spiritual practices, and frankincense oil is often included in these applications. Some Christians anoint themselves or others with frankincense oil as a form of blessing or healing prayer, drawing on the biblical associations of frankincense with holiness and divine presence.
The use of frankincense in Christian worship today also serves as a point of connection with our Jewish roots and with other faith traditions. This shared element of worship can be a beautiful reminder of our common humanity and the universal human desire to connect with the Divine.
But we must always remember that while frankincense can enhance our worship, it is not essential to it. Our Lord Jesus taught us that true worship is in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The use of frankincense should never become an empty ritual, but rather a means to lift our hearts and minds to God.
For those Christian traditions that do not typically use frankincense in worship, its biblical significance can still be appreciated and reflected upon. The imagery of prayers rising like incense can inspire all believers to offer their supplications to God with devotion and reverence.
In all these ways, frankincense continues to play a meaningful role in Christian worship and spirituality today. Whether through its literal use in liturgy or as a powerful metaphor for prayer, it connects us with our rich spiritual heritage and helps us to engage more fully in the worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
