Balm
“From a root meaning 'to drip' or 'to flow'; refers to an exuding resin”
Summary
A fragrant resinous substance exported from Gilead, renowned in antiquity for its medicinal properties and used metaphorically by the prophets to represent spiritual healing.
☩Nature and Source
The Hebrew word 'tsori' refers to a valuable aromatic gum that exuded from certain trees, particularly associated with the region of Gilead east of the Jordan. The substance was sticky and honey-like, yellowish in color, with a fragrant resinous smell. It was extracted from the trunk and branches of the balsam shrub or tree, with the purest form dripping naturally from the bark.
☩Economic Value
Balm ranked among the 'best fruits' of Canaan and was considered a luxury product worthy of diplomatic gifts. Jacob sent it to Joseph in Egypt along with honey, spices, and nuts. Ishmaelite traders transported it from Gilead to Egypt along the ancient caravan routes. Judah exported it to the great trading city of Tyre, demonstrating its international commercial value.
☩Medicinal Properties
The balm was prized for its healing qualities, particularly for wounds and skin ailments. Pliny, Strabo, and other ancient writers celebrated the medicinal virtues of Judean balsam. The balsam gardens of Jericho were famous in later periods, and Josephus records that the queen of Sheba brought the root of the balsam tree to Solomon as a gift. The substance was so valuable that Pompey carried balsam plants to Rome as spoils of conquest.
☩Prophetic and Spiritual Significance
Jeremiah employed the balm of Gilead as a powerful metaphor for divine healing that Israel had rejected. His famous question—'Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?'—implies that God's healing was available but Israel would not receive it. The prophet lamented over a people who had spiritual medicine at hand but refused the cure, choosing instead the sickness of sin.
Related Verses6 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Balm," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "Balm," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. I (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).
- 3.George Morrish, "Balm," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).