The Symbolism and Significance of Myrrh in Biblical Times
Introduction
Myrrh, a precious aromatic gum resin extracted from thorny shrubs or small trees of the Commiphora family, holds significant importance in the Bible. From its usage in anointing to its role in preparing the dead for burial, myrrh symbolizes several aspects of spiritual and physical purification and consecration.
The Power of Myrrh in Biblical Times
Historically, myrrh was obtained from Arabia and was a product similar to frankincense. It was widely used in religious and medical contexts, but it is in the realm of symbolism that myrrh's true significance lies.
Myrrh and Physical Purification
In the Old Testament, the aroma of myrrh was associated with spiritual purification.
For instance, Psalms 45:8 mentions myrrh as part of a royal anointing:
“All your attire smells of myrrh and aloes and cassia.”
In many biblical contexts, myrrh was used to scent and purify various items, including garments and beds. The Shulammite maiden, in the Song of Solomon, applied myrrh in liquid form to her skin, a practice found in Psalms 45 and Song of Solomon 3:6-7. Esther's attendants used oil of myrrh to beautify her, as recorded in Esther 2:12.
Myrrh and Spiritual Purification
Symbolically, myrrh is linked to the spiritual realm, often representing suffering, affliction, and the ultimate act of sacrifice. The aroma of myrrh is associated with the scent of Christ’s body after his crucifixion, discussed in John 19:39-40. The Bible mentions myrrh in relation to anointing:
Exodus 30:23-25 states: “Take also the finest fragrances: pure myrrh 500 shekels, and fragrant cinnamon 250, and fragrant calamus 250, and cassia 500, all mixed with pure oil of olives for the holy anointing oil.”
Furthermore, Matthew 2:1, 2 and 11 records that gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were brought to the baby Jesus, indicating the high value and symbolic meaning these spices had.
Myrrh and Bitterness and Suffering
Myrrh’s symbolism includes the idea of bitterness, suffering, and affliction. During the crucifixion of Jesus, his thirst was given a drink of vinegar mixed with myrrh or gall. This action highlighted the intense pain and the willingness to endure suffering. According to Mark 15:23 and Matthew 27:34, this mixture was intended to stupefy him.
John 19:39-40 further emphasizes this aspect, mentioning myrrh as part of the preparation process for burying Jesus:
“And they took Jesus and carried him away. And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place of the skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. There they crucified him and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. And Pilate also wrote a title over him, King of the Jews. In Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. And the titulus was written, King of the Jews. Then they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, shall it be his? And they sat and watched him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, The King of the Jews. Then they crucified the two thieves with him. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the Scripture was fulfilled, He was numbered with the transgressors. And they took the garments and made four parts, to each a soldier, and the mantle of wool, and they cast lots for it, dividing it among them. And they sat down and watched him there. And they put up over his head the accusation against him, which read, The King of the Jews. And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads, and saying, You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. The robbers also who were crucified with him reviled him the same way. And from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, he yielded up his spirit. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he yielded up his spirit, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God! And there were women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate was surprised that he should be already dead. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud and took him down from the cross and wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.”
The weighing of bitterness and the soul's cleansing serve as profound metaphors for the journey of faith and the journey of a sinful soul seeking redemption.
Conclusion
Through its various uses and symbolic meanings, myrrh in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the trials and tribulations faith requires. It encapsulates the essence of suffering, redemption, and ultimate victory over death, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the believer in Christ.