In biblical times, powders were used for various purposes, including cosmetics, medicine, and ritual practices. The use of powders is mentioned in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the cultural and practical applications of the time.

Cosmetic Use:

One of the primary uses of powders in the Bible is for cosmetic purposes. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, women often used powders to enhance their appearance. This is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the use of cosmetics is sometimes mentioned in relation to beauty and adornment. For example, in 2 Kings 9:30, Jezebel is described as painting her eyes and adorning her head, which likely involved the use of cosmetic powders.

Medicinal Use:

Powders also had medicinal applications in biblical times. Herbal and mineral powders were used in various remedies and treatments. While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of these practices, it is understood from historical and archaeological sources that powders played a role in ancient medicine. The use of natural substances for healing is consistent with the biblical emphasis on God's provision through creation.

Ritual and Symbolic Use:

In some instances, powders are associated with ritual and symbolic practices. For example, in Numbers 5:17, during the ritual of the suspected adulteress, the priest is instructed to take holy water in a clay jar and put some dust from the tabernacle floor into the water. This dust, when mixed with water, forms a kind of powder that is used in the ritual. This illustrates the symbolic use of powders in religious ceremonies.

Metaphorical Use:

Powders are also used metaphorically in the Bible to convey certain ideas or themes. In Deuteronomy 9:21, Moses recounts how he took the sin of the people—the golden calf—and burned it with fire, crushed it into powder, and threw the powder into the brook that descended from the mountain. This act symbolizes the complete destruction and removal of idolatry from the community.

Cultural Context:

Understanding the use of powders in the Bible requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Powders were made from a variety of natural materials, including minerals, herbs, and other substances. The preparation and application of these powders were often skilled tasks, reflecting the knowledge and practices of the time.

Biblical References:

While the Bible does not frequently mention powders explicitly, the references that do exist provide insight into their significance in biblical culture. The use of powders in cosmetics, medicine, and rituals highlights the multifaceted role they played in daily life and religious practices. The metaphorical use of powders further enriches the biblical narrative, offering deeper layers of meaning and symbolism.POWDERS

pou'-derz ('abheqath rokhel): The "powders of the merchant" in Songs 3:6 were probably perfumes, as they are associated with myrrh and frankincense in the account of the festal procession of the litter of Solomon. They may have been some sweet-scented wood in powder, or else some form of incense.

81. abaqah -- powder
... powder. Transliteration: abaqah Phonetic Spelling: (ab-aw-kaw') Short Definition:
powders. ... of abaq Definition powder NASB Word Usage scented powders (1). powder. ...
/hebrew/81.htm - 5k

Who is She that Goeth up by the Wilderness, Like a Pillar of Smoke ...
... CHAPTER III. 6. Who is she that goeth up by the wilderness, like a pillar of smoke,
from the incense of myrrh and frankincense and all powders of the perfumer? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/6 who is she that.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... "Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed
with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

Chapter iii.
... 6. Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed
with myrrh and frankincense, with all the powders of the merchant? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iii.htm

The Joy of Unbroken Communion
... Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,. With all powders of the merchant? They
themselves give the reply:". King Solomon made himself a car of state. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/union and communion/section iii the joy of.htm

The Wilderness
... Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with
myrrh and frankincense, and all the powders of the merchant?' And who is ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxi the wilderness.htm

Whether the Adornment of Women is Devoid of Mortal Sin?
... be admonished that nowise should they deface God's work and fabric, the clay that
He has fashioned, with the aid of yellow pigments, black powders or rouge, or ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the adornment of women.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 6. Who is she that goeth up by the wilderness, like a pillar of smoke, from the
incense of myrrh and frankincense and all powders of the perfumer? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... the king is described as coming up from the wilderness in his chariot, "like pillars
of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

A Description of Mystical Theology, which is no Other Thing than ...
... is she, might one say of her, that goeth up by the desert, as a pillar of smoke
of aromatical spices, of myrrh, and frankincense, and of all the powders of the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i a description of.htm

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... And let woman breathe the odour of the true royal ointment, that of Christ, not
of unguents and scented powders; and let her always be anointed with the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

Powders (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia POWDERS. pou'-derz ('abheqath ... incense.
Multi-Version Concordance Powders (1 Occurrence). Song of ...
/p/powders.htm - 7k

Powder (14 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To be reduced to powder; to become like powder; as, some salts powder easily.
7. (vi) To use powder on the hair or skin; as, she paints and powders. ...
/p/powder.htm - 12k

Fragrant (30 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 3:6 Who is this that cometh up out of the wilderness like pillars
of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant ...
/f/fragrant.htm - 16k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... or clothes. Some perfumes were powders (incense); others were scented oils
or fats (ointments). See PERFUME. 15. Plastering: (The ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Power (862 Occurrences)

/p/power.htm - 66k

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