ALOE AND MYRRH WRAPPED BODY - Along with Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh. Jesus body was dead; therefore, aloes weren’t used to heal him. The healing aloes in Jesus’ burial cloth exemplified Jesus’ continued healing of us even after his physical death. The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body - because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh - Jewish law and custom required immediate burial of Jesus’ dead body. Mosaic Law required that Jews bury the body of a man put to death by hanging on a tree the same day he died. Jesus’ crucified body died about 3:00 p.m. on Friday. By Jewish custom, Friday was the Day of Preparation for the Saturday Sabbath. Preparation Day ended at about 6:00 p.m. on Friday when the Sabbath began. No work was allowed on the Sabbath to include burying a dead body. Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Along with Nicodemus, Joseph took Jesus’ body from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh. The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body. Because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh.

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Aloe and Myrrh Wrapped Body

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Along with Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh. Jesus body was dead; therefore, aloes weren’t used to heal him. The healing aloes in Jesus’ burial cloth exemplified Jesus’ continued healing of us even after his physical death. The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body - because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh

Carolyn Roth

Posted on March 25, 2016 

Today is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. By 9:00 a.m., Christ was crucified.

Jewish law and custom required immediate burial of Jesus’ dead body.

Mosaic Law required that Jews bury the body of a man put to death by hanging on a tree the same day he died (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

The reason for this Mosaic requirement was so that the land not be desecrated by a dead body remaining un-buried.

The book of Tobit (Apocrypha, 2009) described the value Jews placed on seeing that all slain Jews had a proper burial even when the Jews were in exile.

Jesus’ crucified body died about 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

By Jewish custom, Friday was the Day of Preparation for the Saturday Sabbath.

Preparation Day ended at about 6:00 p.m. on Friday when the Sabbath began.

No work was allowed on the Sabbath to include burying a dead body.

Jesus followers had about three hours between the time he died and the start of the Sabbath celebration.

Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish council who believed that Jesus was the Messiah.

Boldly, Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

After confirming with the centurion that Jesus was dead, Pilate released Jesus’ body to Joseph.

Along with Nicodemus, Joseph took Jesus’ body from the cross.

They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh.

The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body. 

Because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh.

Aloe vera

The aloe of the New Testament is the Aloe vera also known as the Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vulgaris (common aloe) and the medicinal aloe.

Some sources identified the aloe as the oldest medicinal plant.

The aloe is distributed in Mediterranean woodlands and shrub-lands in hard rock outcrops including maritime sands.

When aloe is harvested for its medicinal gel, older leaves are harvested as they are larger and contain more gel.

Myrrh

The Israelite myrrh plant is the Commiphora abyssinic.

The Hebrew word for myrrh is môr or môwr which means bitter, possibly because myrrh has a bitter taste (Strong, 2010).

Around 1876-1880 B.C., Jacob described myrrh as one of the best products of Canaan and directed his sons to take myrrh to Egypt to trade for grain (Genesis 43:11-14).

In present day Israel, the myrrh tree grows in the Biblical Landscape Reserve (Neot Kedumim).

Although often referred to as a spice, myrrh is the dried resin from the myrrh tree.

When the resin is harvested, lateral cuts are made on the trunk or branches.

An aromatic gum resin exudes from the wounds. When the resin is exposed to the air, the gum hardens forming irregular shaped yellow or brown globules.

The globules smell pleasant but have a bitter taste.

We saw myrrh in the bazaar in the old city of Jerusalem.

The myrrh was in sharp-edged, marble-size pieces.

Myrrh continues to be used today as sweet-smelling incense for religious celebrations.

Symbolism: Healing

Traditionally, aloe has been associated with healing. 

In the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:5, NIV, 2002) we read these prophetic words about Christ, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Jesus body was dead; therefore, aloes weren’t used to heal him.

The healing aloes in Jesus’ burial cloth exemplified Jesus’ continued healing of us even after his physical death.

After Jesus’ resurrection some individuals in Judea and the Roman Empire accepted healing from Jesus.

Other individuals weren’t willing to be healed.

Some couldn’t comprehend that a man would die for their sins.

Others simply didn’t believe that they were all that bad; why would someone need to die for their few sins?

For still others it was easier to continue their same religious observances, e.g., make an animal sacrifice or give a little money into a treasury, than to accept a new way of thinking.

The rationale and rationalizations that individuals used 2,000 years ago for not accepting healing from Jesus are the same ones that individuals use today.

On Sunday morning in church, we pray the “Prayers of the People.”

Frequently, there are prayer requests for healing – surgery, diagnostic tests, cancer – from members of the congregation.

I’m always surprised that congregates don’t offer more prayers for loved ones’ spiritual healing.

My dear friend isn’t a Christian; I love him so much.

From time to time, I ask congregates to pray that he comes to a saving knowledge of Christ. I really should ask them to pray for him every Sunday.

I love Bible plants along with their symbolism. If you want to learn more about them, read my two books: 1) Rooted in God and 2) God as a Gardener. You can purchase them from my website: Carolyn Roth Ministry at http://www.CarolynRothMinistry.com/

As the site editor, participants should know I am a spiritual woman with a deep belief in God. Many friends would describe my Christian perspective as orthodox. I believe in the inspired, written word of God. I live in Roanoke, Virginia.  I am a Virginia Master Gardener and a Tree Steward.

This website/blog glorifies God within the context of earth as His garden, describes Bible and other growing plants, and applies them to our Christian walk in the 21st century. On Creation day 3, God created vegetation, e.g., trees, herbs, flowers. On this site, the word plant will be used to encompass all types of vegetation.  God created plants right after He created the heavens (Day 2) and before He created the sun, moon, and stars (Day 4). This creative order demonstrates that God valued and had a purpose for the varied flora in our world. Our response to this creative process should first be love for the Creator and second a reverence for this earthly garden.

https://godasagardener.com/2016/03/25/aloe-and-myrrh-wrapped-body/

MYRRH FOR THE MESSIAH - Myrrh was one of the three gifts brought by the "wise men" to the newborn Messiah. Myrrh was involved in the events of the birth, crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. It was sometimes the practice of the Romans to give condemned people a stupefying concoction of "wine mingled with myrrh" - the Messiah refused it. Due to its aromatic qualities (i.e. the reason that it was a major ingredient in perfume), myrrh was included within the linen that the dead were wrapped in (note that His Body was "wound" in linen - there was no single-sheet "shroud").

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 Myrrh For The Messiah

By Wayne Blank

"They presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh"

Myrrh is an aromatic resin that has been used as an ingredient in oils, ointments, perfumes and incense since very ancient times.

The LORD commanded Moses to include myrrh in the "holy anointing oil."

"^30:22 Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ^30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, ^30:24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: 

“^30:25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil. ^30:26 And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony, 

“^30:27 And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense, ^30:28 And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot. ^30:29 And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy." (Exodus 30:22-29 KJV)

"Oil of myrrh" was also used for common purposes, such as perfume.

"^45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad." (Psalm 45:8 KJV)

"^7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon." (Proverbs 7:17 KJV)

"^3:6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?" (Song Of Solomon 3:6 KJV)

"They presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh"

Myrrh was involved in the events of the birth, crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ.

Myrrh was one of the three gifts brought by the "wise men" to the newborn Messiah (although a man-made tradition began that there were three wise men, the Holy Bible doesn't record how many there were - only that three kinds of gifts were presented by them).

"^2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, ^2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

^“2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ^2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. ^2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

^“2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

^“2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. ^2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

^“2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. ^2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 

“^2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1-11 KJV)

It was sometimes the practice of the Romans to give condemned people a stupefying concoction of "wine mingled with myrrh" - the Messiah refused it.

"^15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. ^15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. ^15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

^“15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. ^15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. ^15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 

“^15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. ^15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, ^15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

^“15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. ^15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

^“15:33 And when the sixth hour [i.e. noon] was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour [i.e. 3:00 pm]. ^15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

“^15:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

^“15:36 And one ran and filled a sponge full of Vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

^“15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost." (Mark 15:22-37 KJV)

Due to its aromatic qualities (i.e. the reason that it was a major ingredient in perfume), myrrh was included within the linen that the dead were wrapped in (note that His Body was "wound" in linen - there was no single-sheet "shroud").

"^19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. 

“^19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 

“^19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. 

“^19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. ^19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand." (John 19:38-42 KJV)

About Wayne Blank. I was born and raised as a Roman Catholic, but I have had nothing what-so-ever to do with that organization since the early 1970s, the time that I began basing my Christian beliefs solely upon the Word of God, the Holy Bible. I have never been a member of any other church organization.

My church membership today is that of the Biblical Church of God. According to the Holy Scriptures, "church" actually means the people, the "called out ones," who truly live by the Word of God (see Can You See The Church?). I now strongly disagree with the Church of Rome and any other Christian-professing church organization, Catholic or Protestant, that contradicts the pure Word of God as written in the Holy Scriptures.

Wayne Blank

pathfinder@keyway.ca

http://www.keyway.ca/htm2011/20110511.htm