Sweet Cane, also referred to as "calamus" in some translations, is a fragrant plant mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of sacred anointing oils and offerings. It is noted for its aromatic properties and was considered a valuable commodity in ancient times.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 30:23 · In the instructions given to Moses for the preparation of the sacred anointing oil, sweet cane is listed as one of the key ingredients. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane."

2. Isaiah 43:24 · The prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of the Lord, mentions sweet cane in the context of Israel's neglect of proper worship and offerings: "You have bought Me no sweet cane with your silver, nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened Me with your sins; you have wearied Me with your iniquities."

3. Jeremiah 6:20 · The prophet Jeremiah references sweet cane in a rebuke of the people's insincere worship: "What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me."

Cultural and Historical Context:

Sweet cane was highly prized in the ancient Near East for its fragrance and was often imported from distant lands, indicating its value and rarity. It was used not only in religious rituals but also in perfumery and possibly in medicinal applications. The plant identified as sweet cane is often thought to be Acorus calamus, a reed-like plant known for its sweet-smelling rhizomes.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical context, sweet cane symbolizes the richness and purity required in offerings to God. Its inclusion in the sacred anointing oil underscores the importance of holiness and consecration in worship. The rebukes found in Isaiah and Jeremiah highlight the futility of external rituals without genuine devotion and obedience to God. The use of sweet cane in these passages serves as a metaphor for the sincerity and purity that God desires from His people.

Symbolism in Worship:

Sweet cane, as part of the anointing oil, represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit, setting apart individuals and objects for divine service. The fragrant aroma of the cane signifies the pleasing nature of true worship and the life of a believer who lives in accordance with God's will. The emphasis on sweet cane in the biblical narrative calls believers to examine the authenticity of their worship and devotion to God.Sweet Cane

SWEET CANE

swet kan.

See REED.

7070. qaneh -- a stalk, reed
... 2), elbow (1), reed (5), reed...reeds (1), reeds (4), reeds by the reed (2), reeds
with the reed (2), rod (11), scale (1), shaft (2), stalk (2), sweet cane (2 ...
/hebrew/7070.htm - 6k

The Grace of God
... Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the
fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the grace of god.htm

Forgiveness
... I thought of that passage last Thursday night, while I was preaching: "Thou hast
bought me no sweet cane with money." God needeth nothing at your hands, but he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/forgiveness.htm

Its Objects
... Thou hast bought Me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled Me with the
fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made Me to serve with thy sins, thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/7 its objects.htm

"Lo, I Come": Exposition
... Bloodless offerings, such as fine flour, and wine, and oil, and sweet cane bought
with money, and precious incense"which were tokens of gratitude and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lo i come exposition.htm

Revelation of Moses.
... [2472] Or, incense. [2473] This is the "sweet cane" of Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah
6:20. See also Exodus 30:23; Cant. iv. 14; Ezekiel 27:19. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of moses/revelation of moses.htm

The Unrivalled Friend
... They love him only with words that are but air, but they offer him no sweet cane
with money, neither do they fill him with the fat of their sacrifices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the unrivalled friend.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... Thou hast brought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with
the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Another Royal Procession
... how many fail therein. They buy him no sweet cane with money, neither is
he filled with their sacrifices. They will give their words ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... If they do anything for Christ, their service is scanty; their contribution mean;
their charity grudging. They bring him no sweet cane with money. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... To Me what is incense that cometh from Sheba, 20 Sweet-cane from a far-off land?
Your holocausts are not acceptable, Nor your sacrifice pleasing. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

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