03. The Precious Ointment
The Precious Ointment
If we are to understand what Psalms 133:1-3 has in store for us regarding brethren dwelling together in unity, it may be well to begin, as does the Psalm, with the Precious Ointment. The Psalmist says:
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the Precious Ointment..."
Exodus 30:22-33 records the Lord’s instructions to Moses for its composition and use. The five ingredients were of the best quality and required considerable expenditures of time and money to prepare. The formula was exact and was not to be compromised. Exact weights and volumes were specified. They were to be compounded after the art of the apothecary. The tabernacle and all the items in it were to be anointed with this precious ointment for consecration to the Lord. Aaron and his sons were to be anointed and consecrated to minister to the Lord in the priest’s office. Never was it to be poured on man’s flesh, and it was never to be duplicated. The Precious Ointment was for the Lord! The five principal (best) ingredients were:
Pure Myrrh.This is a fragrant gum gathered from the leaves of the cistus (or rock rose). Myrrh is distilled as tears that harden on the leaves and form into a bitter aromatic resin. These may be gathered and melted to form a clear liquid, and separated from any impurities that may have been gathered with it. Only the pure (liquid JND) myrrh was to be used.
Cinnamon.The bark of the cinnamon tree is removed from the tree, dried and powdered.
Calamus.The calamus odoratus is a reed that grows in India, Arabia and Lebanon. The reeds are gathered, dried and pounded to form a valuable ingredient for rich perfumes.
Cassia.This is prepared by gathering, drying and pounding the bark of an aromatic plant resembling cinnamon.
Oil Olive. Olive oil is prepared from olives and is used as the carrier for the above spices. It is a type of the Holy Spirit, containing all the rich fragrances that speak of Christ. It carries these fragrances of Christ over all who are anointed and to those who are nearby. From the descriptions of the above ingredients, it is easy to see that each required much care and work to produce it. Careless or casual individuals did not prepare them. Only the best could be used for this Precious Ointment or Holy Anointing Oil.
References to These Ingredients in Scripture: