Lign-aloes, also known simply as aloes, is a fragrant wood mentioned in the Bible, noted for its aromatic properties and use in perfumery and embalming. The term "lign-aloes" is derived from the Hebrew word "ahalim" or "ahaloth," which refers to the wood of the aloe tree, a plant known for its rich, resinous scent. This wood is distinct from the aloe plant commonly known today, which is used for medicinal purposes.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 24:6 : In Balaam's oracle, the beauty and prosperity of Israel are likened to the lushness of gardens and the fragrance of aloes: "Like palm groves that stretch out, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters."

2. Psalm 45:8 : In this royal wedding psalm, the garments of the king are described as being fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, indicating the luxurious and celebratory nature of the occasion: "All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad."

3. Proverbs 7:17 : The seductress in Proverbs uses aloes among other spices to perfume her bed, highlighting the allure and sensuality associated with its fragrance: "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon."

4. Song of Solomon 4:14 : In this poetic book celebrating love, aloes are listed among the exotic and precious spices, symbolizing the richness and depth of the beloved's allure: "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices."

5. John 19:39 : In the New Testament, aloes are mentioned in the context of Jesus' burial. Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, to prepare Jesus' body, signifying the honor and care given in His burial: "Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds."

Cultural and Historical Context:

Lign-aloes were highly valued in ancient times for their aromatic qualities and were often imported from distant lands, such as India or Arabia. The wood was used in the making of perfumes and incense, and its inclusion in burial practices underscored its significance in honoring the deceased. The use of aloes in biblical times reflects the broader cultural appreciation for fragrances and their role in religious and social rituals.

Symbolism:

In the Bible, aloes symbolize luxury, beauty, and the divine blessing of abundance. Their mention in various contexts—from the prophetic imagery of Balaam to the intimate expressions of love in the Song of Solomon—illustrates their multifaceted significance. The use of aloes in the burial of Jesus also points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the reverence accorded to Him in His death.

Theological Implications:

The presence of aloes in Scripture serves as a reminder of the sensory richness of God's creation and the ways in which physical elements can point to spiritual truths. The fragrant aroma of aloes, often associated with worship and honor, invites believers to consider the beauty and holiness of God, as well as the call to live lives that are a pleasing aroma to Him.Lign-Aloes

See ALOES.

(only in pl., Hebrews `ahalim), a perfume derived from some Oriental tree (Numbers 24:6), probably the agallochum or aloe-wood. (see ALOES). 1. (n.) Aloes wood, or agallochum. See Agallochum.

2. (n.) A fragrant tree mentioned in the Bible.

LIGN-ALOES

lin-al'-oz, lig-nal'-oz.

See ALOES.

174. ahalim -- the aloe (a tree)
... tree of aloes. Or (feminine) ahalowth {a-haw-loth'} (only used thus in the plural);
of foreign origin; aloe wood (ie Sticks) -- (tree of lign-) aloes. ...
/hebrew/174.htm - 6k

Balaam
... As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees
of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiv balaam.htm

Dr. Beardsley's Address.
... As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees
of lign-aloes which the Lord hath planted." It is becoming also on this ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/dr beardsleys address.htm

The Witness of Balaam to Israel
... As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river side, As lign-aloes
which the LORD hath planted, As cedar trees beside the waters. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii the witness of balaam.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... of Moab. As the trees of lign aloes which the Lord had planted, and as
cedar trees beside the waters, were their tents. Quietly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

Lignaloes
... ALOES; LIGNALOES. al'-oz, lin-al'-oz, lig-nal'-oz ('ahalim, Numbers 24:6, translation
"lign-aloes" (= lignum aloes, "wood of aloes"), Proverbs 7:17; 'ahaloth ...
/l/lignaloes.htm - 10k

Lign-aloes (1 Occurrence)
Lign-aloes. Lignaloes, Lign-aloes. Ligure . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (ASV
WBS). Lignaloes, Lign-aloes. Ligure . Reference Bible.
/l/lign-aloes.htm - 7k

Aloes (5 Occurrences)
... ALOES; LIGNALOES. al'-oz, lin-al'-oz, lig-nal'-oz ('ahalim, Numbers 24:6, translation
"lign-aloes" (= lignum aloes, "wood of aloes"), Proverbs 7:17; 'ahaloth ...
/a/aloes.htm - 12k

Lign (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 24:6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side,
as the trees of lignaloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees ...
/l/lign.htm - 6k

Ligure (2 Occurrences)

/l/ligure.htm - 7k

River-side (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 24:6 As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river-side, As
lign-aloes which Jehovah hath planted, As cedar-trees beside the waters. ...
/r/river-side.htm - 7k

River's (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 24:6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side,
as the trees of lignaloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees ...
/r/river's.htm - 8k

Cedar-trees (11 Occurrences)
... Numbers 24:6 As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river-side, As
lign-aloes which Jehovah hath planted, As cedar-trees beside the waters. ...
/c/cedar-trees.htm - 9k

Stretched (234 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Numbers 24:6 As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river-side,
As lign-aloes which Jehovah hath planted, As cedar-trees beside the waters. ...
/s/stretched.htm - 38k

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