Bdellium
“Possibly related to a root meaning 'to separate' or derived from an ancient word for aromatic gum”
Summary
A fragrant aromatic gum resin mentioned as a product of the land of Havilah and used to describe the appearance of manna in the wilderness.
☩A Product of Havilah
Bdellium first appears in Scripture as one of three notable products of the land of Havilah: gold, bdellium, and the onyx stone. This ancient land, associated with the rivers flowing from Eden, produced substances of exceptional value. The placement of bdellium alongside precious gold and gems indicates it was highly esteemed.
☩Describing the Manna
When the Israelites questioned what the manna was, Moses described its appearance as like bdellium—a translucent, waxy substance with a whitish or yellowish color. This comparison helped the people visualize this miraculous bread from heaven. Josephus described the manna as 'similar to the aromatic bdellium,' confirming the substance was known for both its appearance and fragrance.
☩Nature of the Substance
Most scholars identify bdellium as a fragrant gummy resin that exudes from certain trees in Arabia, India, and Africa. The Greek and Roman writers Dioscorides and Pliny described various kinds of bdellium, calling it by names like 'brochon' and 'malacham.' The tree producing it may be related to the myrrh-bearing plants, yielding a resin of similar character but distinct fragrance.
☩Alternative Identifications
Some ancient translators rendered bdellium as a precious stone—the Septuagint used 'anthrax' (carbuncle) in Genesis and 'crystal' in Numbers. Jewish rabbinical tradition, followed by some scholars, identified it with pearls from the Persian Gulf region. However, the comparison with manna's appearance argues against a gemstone identification, as manna was edible and wax-like rather than crystalline.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bdellium," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Bdellium," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).