Oils of Ancient Scripture - Aloes/Sandalwood

Essential oils, though trendy now, are certainly nothing new! In fact, there are over 200 references to them in the Bible, and there is evidence of them being used as far back as 3500 B.C.

Essential oils are the concentrated essences of plants…stems, grasses, resins, flowers, etc. They act as the plants natural defense mechanisms and act very similarly in our bodies. They are different than the fatty plant oils, such as coconut and olive.

Essential oils can be used topically, on the skin, aromatically, breathed through nose and sometimes (if labelled for internal use) internally as a dietary supplement.

As many of our readers know, Kelly and I use Young Living Essential Oils because we love the quality and love what they do for our families' healthy lifestyles. Young Living has an awesome kit called the Oils of Ancient Scripture. They are amazing oils and a great value as many of the oils mentioned in the Bible are very valuable.

Essential oils can be used to detoxify the body, support the various systems of the body, support the skin, sleep, focus, emotions, meditation…so many things.

Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine. -Ezekiel 47:12

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” – Proverbs 21:20

Why would posession of oil in one’s house be a sign of wisdom? Is it that they were valuable? Is it that they were healing?

Oils were essential to daily living in Biblical times. The word oil appears in the King James version of the Bible at least 190 times. Incense is mentioned over 60 times. The Hebrew word translated into English as ‘incense’ was ‘lebonah’…which is actually Frankincense. This doesn’t take into account the times generic references like odors, sweet savors, perfumes, balms and ointments were used.

Original healers were priests who often did their healing in temples. They had more roles, of course, but one was to mix various oils and herbs for anointing, for incense and for healing. The Biblical meaning of anoint was to ‘rub or massage’ and usually one anointed with oils.

Aloes/Sandalwood

Scriptural Reference:

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. – John 19:38-39

This is incredible wealth. 75-100 lbs of Sandalwood would be worth over $200,000 in today’s market.

This shows two things: the wealth of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea must have been great and their respect and reverence for their lord and savior was also great.

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. – Psalms 45:8

More scriptures: Numbers 24:6 and Song of Solomon 4:14

Modern Uses:

Sandalwood contains the fourth highest concentration of sesquiterpenes of all the oils- (90%)
Helps deprogram misinformation at the cellular level
Great for skin care. Add to a DIY face serum!
Helps support deep sleep! Diffuse. Add to bath salts before bed. Apply topically and inhale the aroma.

Emotional Support:

Helps people who overthink things and worry, according to Releasing Emotional Patterns with Essential Oils.
Sandalwood can help quiet the mind so that it is free to be present here and there.
Sandalwood is helpful to use in meditation, prayer or spiritual practice.