The term "sweetsmelling" in the Bible often refers to fragrances or aromas that are pleasing and acceptable, both in a literal and spiritual sense. This concept is deeply rooted in the practices of worship and sacrifice in the Old Testament, where specific offerings were described as having a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of a sweetsmelling aroma is frequently associated with sacrificial offerings. The book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on various offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. These sacrifices were to be made with specific ingredients and procedures to ensure they were acceptable to God. For instance, Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

The use of incense in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple also highlights the importance of a sweetsmelling aroma in worship. Exodus 30:34-38 describes the composition of the sacred incense, which was to be burned before the Lord as a perpetual incense offering. This incense was considered holy, and its fragrance symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.

New Testament Application

In the New Testament, the concept of a sweetsmelling aroma is expanded to include the spiritual sacrifices of believers. The Apostle Paul uses this imagery to describe the sacrificial love and service of Christians. In Ephesians 5:2 , Paul exhorts believers to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." Here, the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ are depicted as the ultimate sweetsmelling aroma, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Furthermore, in Philippians 4:18 , Paul acknowledges the gifts sent by the Philippians, saying, "I have received everything in full and have an abundance. I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." This passage illustrates how acts of generosity and support within the Christian community are viewed as a spiritual fragrance pleasing to God.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The sweetsmelling aroma in Scripture symbolizes the acceptability and pleasure of God in the worship and obedience of His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of purity, devotion, and sincerity in worship. The physical aroma of sacrifices and incense in the Old Testament foreshadows the spiritual aroma of Christ's sacrifice and the lives of believers in the New Testament.

In a broader sense, the concept of a sweetsmelling aroma encourages believers to live lives that are pleasing to God, characterized by love, sacrifice, and service. It underscores the transformation of the believer's life into a living sacrifice, as described in Romans 12:1 : "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

Conclusion

The theme of a sweetsmelling aroma in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. It highlights the importance of worship, sacrifice, and the transformation of the believer's life into a pleasing offering to the Lord. Through Christ, the ultimate fragrant offering, believers are called to embody the same sacrificial love and devotion in their daily lives.

March 1 Morning
... multitude of sins."Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 1 morning.htm

February 23 Morning
... Christ . . . hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering
and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Let us ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/february 23 morning.htm

November 13 Morning
... Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an
offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/november 13 morning.htm

April 27 Evening
... as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given
himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/april 27 evening.htm

February 16 Morning
... hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweetsmelling savour."Unto you therefore which believe he is precious ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/february 16 morning.htm

The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs.
... ones, as transient, but attached yourselves unto Christ in martyrdom, being moved
thereto by His fair beauty, ye have approached as the sweetsmelling roses and ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxi the service common.htm

Sweetsmelling (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sweetsmelling (1 Occurrence). Ephesians 5:2 And
walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given ...
/s/sweetsmelling.htm - 6k

Sweet-smelling (14 Occurrences)
Sweet-smelling. Sweetsmelling, Sweet-smelling. Swell . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Sweetsmelling, Sweet-smelling. Swell . Reference Bible.
/s/sweet-smelling.htm - 10k

Savour (52 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ...
/s/savour.htm - 22k

Sweet-scented (2 Occurrences)
Sweet-scented. Sweetness, Sweet-scented. Sweetsmelling . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(See NAS). Sweetness, Sweet-scented. Sweetsmelling . Reference Bible
/s/sweet-scented.htm - 7k

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