A Sweet Aroma to the Lord: the Ingredients of Moses' Anointing Oil

In the Bible, Moses was instructed by God to create a holy anointing oil for the consecration of the Tabernacle and its articles, as well as for the ordination of the priesthood (Exodus 30:22-25). This oil was made from a combination of five ingredients, here are their unique properties and symbolic meanings.

• Pure Myrrh:

The first ingredient was pure myrrh, which was obtained from the resin of the Commiphora tree. Myrrh was highly valued for its fragrance and medicinal properties, and was often used in perfumes and incense. In the Bible, myrrh is associated with suffering and sacrifice, as it was used to anoint Jesus' body after his crucifixion (John 19:39).

• Sweet Cinnamon:

The second ingredient was sweet cinnamon, which was obtained from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. Cinnamon was highly prized for its sweet and spicy flavor, and was often used in cooking and perfumes. In the Bible, cinnamon is associated with wealth and luxury, as it was one of the spices brought by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:10).

• Fragrant Cane:

The third ingredient was fragrant cane, which was obtained from the Acorus calamus plant. Fragrant cane was highly valued for its sweet and pungent flavor, and was often used in perfumes and incense. In the Bible, fragrant cane is associated with the Promised Land, as it was one of the plants that grew in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8).

• Cassia:

The fourth ingredient was cassia, which was obtained from the Cinnamomum cassia tree. Cassia was highly valued for its sweet and spicy flavor, and was often used in cooking and perfumes. In the Bible, cassia is associated with humility and lowliness, as it was one of the spices used to anoint the feet of Jesus (John 12:3).

• Olive Oil:

The fifth and final ingredient was olive oil, which was obtained from the fruit of the olive tree. Olive oil was highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, and was often used in cooking and as a fuel for lamps. In the Bible, olive oil is associated with God's blessing and anointing, as it was used to anoint kings and priests (1 Samuel 10:1, Leviticus 8:30).

The spices used by Moses to make the sacred anointing oil were chosen for their unique properties and symbolic meanings. These ingredients, which included pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, fragrant cane, cassia, and olive oil, were combined in a specific proportion to create a fragrance that was pleasing to God. This oil was used to anoint the Tabernacle and its articles, as well as the priests and kings of Israel, and was a symbol of God's blessing and anointing.