Galbanum is a resinous gum derived from certain species of the Ferula plant, which is native to the Middle East and parts of Central Asia. It is mentioned in the Bible as one of the ingredients used in the sacred incense for the Tabernacle. The Hebrew word for galbanum is "חֶלְבְּנָה" (chelb'nah).

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to galbanum is found in the Book of Exodus, where it is listed as a component of the holy incense:

· Exodus 30:34 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures.'"

In this passage, God instructs Moses on the composition of the incense to be used in the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of each ingredient. Galbanum, along with gum resin, onycha, and frankincense, was to be blended in equal parts to create a unique and sacred aroma. This incense was to be burned on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the Israelites ascending to God.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient times, galbanum was highly valued for its aromatic properties and was often used in perfumes and incense. Its inclusion in the sacred incense highlights its significance and the care with which the Israelites were to approach worship. The use of galbanum in the Tabernacle's incense underscores the importance of purity and holiness in the worship practices of the Israelites.

The specific role of galbanum in the incense mixture is not detailed in the biblical text, but its presence suggests a balance of fragrances, as it is known for its strong, earthy, and somewhat musky scent. This would have complemented the other ingredients, creating a complex and pleasing aroma.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

Theologically, the use of incense in the Tabernacle represents the prayers and worship of God's people. The fragrant smoke ascending from the altar symbolizes the lifting of prayers to heaven, a concept echoed in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

Galbanum's inclusion in the incense mixture can be seen as a reminder of the diversity and unity within the body of believers. Just as different spices come together to create a harmonious fragrance, so too do the varied prayers and praises of God's people unite in worship.

Practical Uses:

Beyond its religious significance, galbanum has been used historically for its medicinal properties. It was believed to have anti-inflammatory and healing effects, and it was sometimes used in traditional remedies for various ailments. In modern times, galbanum is still used in the production of perfumes and essential oils, valued for its distinctive scent and potential therapeutic benefits.

In summary, galbanum holds a unique place in biblical history as a key component of the sacred incense, symbolizing the prayers and worship of the Israelites. Its aromatic qualities and historical uses further underscore its significance in both religious and cultural contexts.Galbanum

one of the perfumes employed in the preparation of the sacred incense. (Exodus 10:34) The galbanum of commerce is brought chiefly from India and the Levant. It is a resinous gum of a brownish-yellow color and strong disagreeable smell, usually met with in masses, but sometimes found in yellowish tear-like drops. But, though galbanum itself is well known, the plant which yields it has not been exactly determined.

Galbanum

An ingredient in the incense burned at the golden altar, in the Holy Place, Exodus 30:34. It is the gum of a plant growing in Abyssinia, Arabia, and Syria, called by Pliny stagonitis, but supposed to be the same as the Bubon Galbanum of Linnaeus. The gum is unctuous and adhesive, of a strong and somewhat astringent smell.

Hebrews helbenah, (Exodus 30:34), one of the ingredients in the holy incense. It is a gum, probably from the Galbanum officinale. (n.) A gum resin exuding from the stems of certain Asiatic umbelliferous plants, mostly species of Ferula. The Bubon Galbanum of South Africa furnishes an inferior kind of galbanum. It has an acrid, bitter taste, a strong, unpleasant smell, and is used for medical purposes, also in the arts, as in the manufacture of varnish.GALBANUM

gal'-ba-num (chelbenah; chalbdne):

A gum-resin which occurs in small, round, semitranslucent tears or in brownish yellow masses; has a pleasant aromatic odor and a bitter taste; and is today, at any rate, imported from Persia.

It is derived from certain umbelliferous plants, Ferula galbaniflua and F. rubricaulis. It is mentioned in Exodus 30:34 as an ingredient of the holy incense, and also in APC Sirach 24:15: "a pleasant odor. as galbanum."

2464. chelbenah -- gum (a type used in incense)
... 2463, 2464. chelbenah. 2465 . gum (a type used in incense). Transliteration:
chelbenah Phonetic Spelling: (khel-ben-aw') Short Definition: galbanum. ... galbanum ...
/hebrew/2464.htm - 6k

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... The temple incense was made of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense,
in equal parts, beaten very small"Exodus 30:7, 8, 34-38.] 10 The whole ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ...
... The incense [3171] also, in like manner, [was compounded] of stacte, onycha, galbanum,
mint, and frankincense, all which do in no respect, either as to their ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv folly of the arguments.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... for the daily incense-offering, namely myrrh, cassia, spikenard, saffron,
sweet-scented reed, cinnamon, costus, sea-lavender, thrift, galbanum, and incense ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Galbanum (1 Occurrence)
... It is a gum, probably from the Galbanum officinale. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ... The
Bubon Galbanum of South Africa furnishes an inferior kind of galbanum. ...
/g/galbanum.htm - 8k

Spices (64 Occurrences)
... (2) cammim (Exodus 30:34, "sweet spices")): "Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte,
and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense." It is a ...
/s/spices.htm - 32k

Gale (8 Occurrences)

/g/gale.htm - 9k

Onycha (1 Occurrence)
... Exodus 30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and
onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall ...
/o/onycha.htm - 8k

Gum (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and
onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall ...
/g/gum.htm - 8k

Incense (167 Occurrences)
... sweet incense" (keToreth ha-cammim, Exodus 25:6, etc.)-was compounded according
to a definite prescription of the perfumes, stacte, onycha, galbanum and pure ...
/i/incense.htm - 44k

Frankincense (22 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and
onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall ...
/f/frankincense.htm - 19k

Fragrant (30 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:34 And Jehovah said to Moses, Take fragrant drugs stacte, and onycha,
and galbanum fragrant drugs and pure frankincense; in like proportions shall it ...
/f/fragrant.htm - 16k

Resin (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and
onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall ...
/r/resin.htm - 7k

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